Cat & Dog - Furosemide/Frusemide

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Furosemide (also called frusemide) is used to help reduce the amount of water in the pet’s body by increasing the flow of urine. Furosemide is also used to treat high blood pressure by decreasing the workload of the heart and arteries.

How does this medicine work?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It blocks sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle in the kidney. Magnesium and calcium reabsorption is dependent on sodium and chloride concentrations, and loop diuretics also inhibit their reabsorption. By disrupting the reabsorption of these ions, loop diuretics prevent the urine from becoming concentrated resulting in increased urine production.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Give this medication with meals.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon may need to monitor your pet's blood to check potassium levels.
• Possible side effects include excessive thirst, drowsiness, weakness, restlessness, diminished urination in relation to fluid intake, stomach upset or a fast heart rate. Contact your veterinary surgeon if side effects are noted and they are troublesome.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.