Furosemide is a diuretic drug that removes excess water and mineral salts from the body. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure or edema associated with heart failure, kidney disease, and hypertension. Although furosemide is known to be effective and fast-acting, it should be administered with caution and under close medical supervision because of potential side effects, especially in patients with low blood pressure.
What is furosemide?
Furosemide was developed and introduced to the market in the late 1960s and has since been widely used as a diuretic due to its ability to remove excess fluids from the body rapidly. This drug has been a breakthrough in managing conditions that cause fluid retention, significantly improving the quality of life of patients with these conditions.
The drug belongs to the loop diuretics category, so it acts by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine in the ascending tract of Henle’s loop, a part of the renal tubule that participates in our body’s fluid retention process. This mechanism reduces circulating blood volume, relieving edema and lowering blood pressure. The drug is generally taken orally in tablet form, but it is also marketed as a liquid solution to be administered intravenously or by infusion.
Furosemide uses
Furosemide is mainly used to treat:
- Edema: caused by heart failure, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis.
- Hypertension: as an adjunctive treatment in patients who do not respond adequately to other antihypertensive drugs.
- Renal failure: to promote diuresis and relieve water retention.
Dosage varies according to the condition being treated, the duration of therapy, and the percentage of active ingredient present in a single dose; it is a drug whose intake should always be closely monitored by a medical professional. Generally, in acute cases, such as acute pulmonary edema, doses may be higher and administered intravenously.
Furosemide: what are the side effects?
Furosemide is a drug with relevant side effects and is not recommended for certain categories of patients, so it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. Its main side effects are:
- Gastrointestinal tract disorders: some individuals may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, especially in the early stages of therapy.
- Sensitivity to sunlight: during treatment, it is good to protect the skin and eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun by using appropriate sunscreens.
- Dizziness and fainting: the drug causes a drop in blood pressure, and it is crucial to avoid sudden movements, so it is not suitable for those already suffering from low blood pressure.
It has been found that furosemide can cause ototoxicity in some cases, manifested by ear ringing. The causes of this phenomenon are not yet clear, but they have been related to the method of administration by bolus injection, so infusion of the drug in a slow and continuous mode is preferable.
In addition, the drug interacts with sucralfate, an API used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers. If the patient is taking this drug, furosemide should be taken at least two hours apart.
The distribution of Furosemide
Furosemide is an essential drug in the management of various conditions involving fluid retention and hypertension. At Flarer, we supply APIs for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries, supporting companies in acquiring active ingredients such as furosemide. Our company offers comprehensive services ranging from scouting to import to regulatory support.
With our many years of experience, we guarantee high standards and a network of reliable suppliers to ensure quality and security for our clients. The available APIs and related services can be viewed by contacting our consultants.