What is Furosemide?

Furosemide is a drug used to prevent fluid build-up in the lungs or abdomen in pets with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, is used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema from forming. Furosemide for dogs and cats requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold by the tablet.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

• Furosemide is used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema from forming. It is primarily used to treat heart failure and pulmonary edema (lung fluid).
• It is also used to treat some electrolyte imbalances, such as high calcium and high potassium levels, because the diuretic effect improves elimination of these ions.
• Furosemide can also be used to stimulate urine output
• Easy to administer

Cautions:

Do not give this medication if your pet is not urinating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs. Keep plenty of water available for your pet to drink. Furosemide can make your pet's skin sensitive to sunlight. There are possible adverse interactions with other drugs, so fully disclose to your veterinarian what you are giving your pet. This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Closely monitor your pet for signs of dehydration.

Brand Name:

Various

Generic Name:

Furosemide

What happens 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 your pet two doses at once.

Possible side effects of furosemide:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving furosemide and seek emergency veterinary care; an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop giving furosemide and call your veterinarian at once if any of these serious side effects occur; dry mouth, thirst, nausea, and vomiting; weakness, drowsiness, restlessness; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or weakness; urinating less than usual or not at all; bleeding, unusual weakness; hair loss; "bulls-eye" lesions; vesicles around mouth, ears, and groin; hearing loss; nausea, stomach pain; fever; loss of appetite; dark urine; jaundice. Continue giving furosemide and talk with your veterinarian if any of these less serious side effects should occur; diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain; headache; dizziness, or blurred vision.

Storage:

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.