Frucard
Generic Name
Furosemide
Manufacturer
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| frucard 20 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Frucard 20 mg Tablet contains Furosemide, a loop diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess water and salt. It is used to treat edema (swelling) caused by heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, and also for the management of high blood pressure.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Edema: Initially 20-80 mg as a single dose. May be repeated or increased in 6-8 hours by 20-40 mg until desired effect. Maintenance dose: 20-40 mg once or twice daily. Hypertension: Initially 20-40 mg once or twice daily.
Elderly
Start with lower doses (e.g., 20 mg daily) and titrate carefully due to increased risk of side effects.
Renal_impairment
Dosage may need to be adjusted based on renal function and patient response; higher doses might be required in severe renal impairment, but caution is advised.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally, usually once or twice daily. It can be taken with or without food, but consistency in administration time is recommended. If taken once daily for edema, it's often taken in the morning to avoid nocturnal diuresis.
Mechanism of Action
Furosemide inhibits the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport system in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney, leading to increased excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Oral: 30-60 minutes; Intravenous: within 5 minutes.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys (60-80%); some biliary excretion.
Half life
Approximately 0.5-2 hours in healthy individuals; prolonged in renal impairment.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; oral bioavailability is variable (approximately 60-70%).
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver; primarily excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Anuria (absence of urine production)
- Hepatic coma or precoma
- Severe electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
- Hypersensitivity to Furosemide or sulfonamides
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide; increased risk of renal toxicity.
Digoxin
Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia.
Lithium
Reduced renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.
Antihypertensives
Potentiated hypotensive effect, leading to orthostatic hypotension.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Increased risk of ototoxicity.
Storage
Store below 30°C, in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include dehydration, electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis), hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse. Treatment involves fluid and electrolyte replacement and symptomatic support.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Furosemide is excreted in breast milk and may inhibit lactation; caution is advised during breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Anuria (absence of urine production)
- Hepatic coma or precoma
- Severe electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
- Hypersensitivity to Furosemide or sulfonamides
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide; increased risk of renal toxicity.
Digoxin
Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia.
Lithium
Reduced renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.
Antihypertensives
Potentiated hypotensive effect, leading to orthostatic hypotension.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Increased risk of ototoxicity.
Storage
Store below 30°C, in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include dehydration, electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis), hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse. Treatment involves fluid and electrolyte replacement and symptomatic support.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Furosemide is excreted in breast milk and may inhibit lactation; caution is advised during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied and widely used since its introduction. Numerous clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy and safety profile for its approved indications.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride) regularly, especially during initiation and dose adjustments.
- Monitor renal function (BUN, creatinine).
- Monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
- Monitor uric acid levels.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of electrolyte monitoring, especially potassium.
- Advise patients on signs of dehydration and hypokalemia.
- Caution against abrupt discontinuation, especially in patients with severe edema.
- Consider potential interactions with other medications, particularly NSAIDs, digoxin, and lithium.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking Frucard without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Report any signs of severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., extreme thirst, muscle weakness, confusion).
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Frucard may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is changed. If affected, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate fluid intake unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Avoid sudden changes in posture to prevent dizziness from low blood pressure.
- Follow a diet recommended by your doctor, particularly regarding salt intake.
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