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Frusehexal

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Generic Name: Frusemide
Product Name: Frusehexal

Indication

Frusemide is used to treat fluid retention and swelling that may occur in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease and other conditions. Frusemide may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat elevated blood pressure. In patients with severely impaired kidney function high doses of frusemide may be used to promote urine production in patients who are not passing urine.

Action

Frusemide is a potent diuretic that acts by inhibiting the reabsorption of salt and water in the kidneys causing increased excretion of water from the body. The greatest effect of Frusemide occurs within the first or second hour following administration and its effects last for 6-8 hours.

Dose advice

Fluid retention and swelling

The usual initial daily dose is a single dose of 20 to 80 mg. If satisfactory urine production has not occurred within six hours of this dose, subsequent doses should be increased by 20 to 40 mg each dose up to a maximum of 400 mg/day (the exception is patients with kidney failure).

High Blood Pressure

The dose is 20 to 40 mg twice daily. Blood pressure needs to be carefully monitored if frusemide is being given in combination with other blood pressure lowering medications. If 40 mg twice daily does not lead to a sufficient drop in blood pressure other medications should be added rather than increasing the dose of frusemide further.


In patients with severely impaired kidney function who are not producing urine initial doses of 80-160 mg are given. If urine production does not occur a dose of 250 mg may be given and this may be increased by 250 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of 1g/day.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

Uncommon side effects

  • Increased clotting tendency
  • Ringing in ears
  • Hearing impairment
  • Jaundice
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching of skin
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain

For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 25 April, 2016


Created by: myVMC