Furosemide Injection

• Type: Diuretic (water pill)

• Drug Class: Loop diuretic

• Form: Sterile solution for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration

How It Works

• Furosemide works on the loop of Henle in the kidneys.

• It blocks the sodium-potassium-chloride (Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻) cotransporter, causing:

  • Increased excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, and water

  • Rapid diuresis (urine production)

• This helps reduce fluid overload and lower blood pressure.

Common Uses

Furosemide injection is often used in hospital or emergency settings for:

• Acute pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

• Congestive heart failure with fluid overload

• Edema due to kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome

• Severe hypertension (as part of acute management)

• Hypercalcemia (with IV fluids, to flush out calcium)

Advantages

• Fast-acting (works within minutes when given IV)

• Effective even in patients with reduced kidney function (better than thiazide diuretics)

• Provides strong, short-term control of fluid overload

Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Increased urination (expected effect)

• Low blood pressure (dizziness, lightheadedness)

• Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium)

Serious (High Doses/Rapid Injection):

• Severe dehydration

• Hearing loss or tinnitus (ototoxicity) if given too quickly IV

• Kidney dysfunction (if excessive fluid loss occurs)

Precautions

• Monitor electrolytes, kidney function, and blood pressure regularly

• Replace potassium if needed to prevent dangerous arrhythmias

• Use with caution in patients with hypotension, dehydration, or gout

• Avoid very rapid IV push to reduce risk of hearing damage