What it does
Furosemide is a medication that helps remove excess fluid from the body.
Commonly used for: heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling due to kidney problems
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:03:19 · updated 2026-07-26 13:45:40
About this medicine
Furosemide is a medication that helps remove excess fluid from the body.
What it treats
- heart failure
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- swelling due to kidney problems
How it works
Furosemide works by helping the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, which reduces fluid buildup.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and children who need to eliminate excess fluid or manage high blood pressure.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: furosemdie
Furosemide is a loop diuretic used primarily to treat edema associated with heart failure, renal disease, or liver disease, as well as hypertension. It promotes diuresis by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle within the nephron, leading to increased urine output.
Indications
- Edema associated with congestive heart failure
- Edema due to renal impairment
- Edema related to hepatic cirrhosis
- Hypertension
- Pulmonary edema
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Furosemide acts primarily on the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. By inhibiting this transporter, furosemide prevents sodium and chloride reabsorption, which leads to increased excretion of water and electrolytes, resulting in diuresis.
Pharmacodynamics
The diuretic effect of furosemide is dose-dependent. It leads to a significant increase in renal excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. The onset of action is rapid when administered intravenously, typically within 5 minutes, and about 30 minutes when given orally. The duration of action is generally 2 to 6 hours, depending on the route of administration.
Pharmacokinetics
Furosemide is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 2 hours. It has a bioavailability of approximately 50% to 70%. The drug is extensively bound to plasma proteins (approximately 95%) and is primarily eliminated via the kidneys. The elimination half-life is about 1 to 2 hours in healthy individuals, but this can be prolonged in patients with renal impairment.
Contra-indications
- Anuria
- Severe electrolyte depletion
- Hypersensitivity to furosemide or sulfonamides
Adverse effects
- Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Ototoxicity
- Hyperuricemia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
Interactions
- Aminoglycosides (increased risk of ototoxicity)
- Antihypertensives (additive hypotensive effect)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (may reduce diuretic effect)
- Lithium (increased risk of lithium toxicity)
- Corticosteroids (enhanced hypokalemia)
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor electrolytes regularly
- Caution in patients with liver disease
- Careful monitoring in elderly patients
Pregnancy
Furosemide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, as it crosses the placenta.
Breast-feeding
Furosemide is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Formulations
- Oral tablets (e.g. 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)
- Oral solution (e.g. 10 mg/mL)
- Intravenous injection (e.g. 10 mg/mL)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.