Cardiology · Loop diuretic
Furosemide (HF)
Dose
Acute: 40–80 mg IV bolus or 2.5× oral daily dose; infusion 5–20 mg/h. Chronic: 20–80 mg OD/BD.
Mechanism
Inhibits NKCC2 in thick ascending loop of Henle → potent natriuresis.
Indications
- • Acute pulmonary oedema
- • Chronic HF congestion
- • Nephrotic oedema
- • Hyperkalaemia (adjunct)
Contraindications
- • Anuria
- • Severe hyponatraemia
- • Sulfa hypersensitivity (rare)
Dose adjustment
CrCl <30: often need ↑dose (100–200 mg IV)
Use
First-line diuretic in HF; consider infusion for diuretic resistance.
Monitoring
Weight, urine output, U&E daily during aggressive diuresis.
Side effects
- • Hypokalaemia
- • Hyponatraemia
- • Ototoxicity (rapid IV)
- • AKI
- • Gout
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
