Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
furosemide (Lasix®)
Indication
- Diuretic used in the treatment of oliguria and fluid overload/edema
Dosage Guidelines
- IV: 1 – 2 mg/kg/dose
- Oral: 1-3 mg/kg/dose
- Maintenance dose: 0.5 – 1 mg/kg/dose IV/oral q8-12h
- IV continuous infusion: Start at 0.2 mg/kg/hour, increase in 0.1 mg/kg/hour increments every 12 to 24 hours to a maximum rate of 0.5 mg/kg/hour
Administration
- Oral (injection may be given orally)
- IV direct over 3-5 minutes
- IV continuous infusion
Adverse Effects
- Hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypovolemia
- Renal calcifications and hypochloremic metabolic alkaloses with long-term therapy
- Potentially ototoxic in patients with renal disease or receiving aminoglycosides
Comments
- Onset of action: 30 - 60 minutes (oral), 5 - 15 minutes (IV)
- Duration of action: 8 hours (oral), 2 hours (IV)
- Monitor serum sodium, potassium, accurate intake and output for 8 hours post administration of a single IV or oral dose
- Discontinue if renal impairment occurs (May lead to acute kidney injury due to fluid loss)
- Oral bioavailability is approximately 50% of the IV preparation
Supplied As
- 10 mg/mL, 2 mL ampoule
- 10 mg/mL oral solution
- 1 mg/mL syringe prepared by Pharmacy for IV continuous administration
References
LexiComp Sick Kids, LexiComp Pediatric and Neonatal