Frucard
Generic Name
Furosemide
Manufacturer
Drug International Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| frucard 40 mg tablet | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 100.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Frucard 40 mg Tablet contains Furosemide, which is a potent loop diuretic. It is primarily used to treat fluid retention (edema) associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It can also be used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). By increasing the excretion of water and salts from the body, it helps to reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Edema: Initially 20-80 mg as a single dose. If needed, the same dose or an increased dose (by 20-40 mg) may be given 6-8 hours later. Maintenance doses can be given once or twice daily. Hypertension: Initially 20-40 mg twice daily. Dose adjusted based on response.
Elderly
Start with lower doses (e.g., 20 mg once daily) due to potential reduced renal function and increased sensitivity to diuretic effects.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment may be necessary. Higher doses may be required in severe renal impairment (e.g., up to 200 mg/day or more in some cases under strict medical supervision).
How to Take
Frucard tablets should be taken orally, with or without food. To avoid nocturnal diuresis, it is usually recommended to take the last dose of the day in the late afternoon.
Mechanism of Action
Furosemide acts on the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney, inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and potassium. This leads to increased excretion of water, sodium, chloride, potassium, hydrogen, calcium, and magnesium, resulting in diuresis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Oral: 30-60 minutes; Intravenous: within 5 minutes.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (60-90%) via glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. Some excretion also occurs in feces.
Half life
Approximately 1-2 hours in healthy individuals, can be prolonged in renal or hepatic impairment.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract, with oral bioavailability ranging from 40% to 70%. Food may slightly decrease the rate of absorption but not significantly the extent.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver; approximately 10% is metabolized to furosemide glucuronide.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Furosemide or sulfonamides.
- Anuria (absence of urine production).
- Hepatic coma and precomatose states.
- Severe electrolyte depletion.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased risk of digitalis toxicity due to furosemide-induced hypokalemia.
Lithium
Furosemide may reduce renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.
Antihypertensive agents
Potentiated hypotensive effect, especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs; dose reduction of one or both agents may be necessary.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Increased risk of ototoxicity (ear damage).
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (especially hypokalemia and hyponatremia), hypotension, and hypovolemic shock. Management involves supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte replacement, and close monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels.
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 suppress lactation; therefore, caution is advised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Furosemide or sulfonamides.
- Anuria (absence of urine production).
- Hepatic coma and precomatose states.
- Severe electrolyte depletion.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased risk of digitalis toxicity due to furosemide-induced hypokalemia.
Lithium
Furosemide may reduce renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.
Antihypertensive agents
Potentiated hypotensive effect, especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs; dose reduction of one or both agents may be necessary.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Increased risk of ototoxicity (ear damage).
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (especially hypokalemia and hyponatremia), hypotension, and hypovolemic shock. Management involves supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte replacement, and close monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels.
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 suppress lactation; therefore, caution is advised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Furosemide has been extensively studied for decades, with numerous clinical trials establishing its efficacy and safety in various edematous states and hypertension. Ongoing research continues to explore its role in specific patient populations and conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium) regularly.
- Renal function tests (BUN, serum creatinine).
- Blood glucose levels.
- Uric acid levels.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of regular electrolyte and renal function monitoring.
- Counsel patients on symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and when to seek medical attention.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions, especially with aminoglycosides, lithium, and NSAIDs.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Frucard exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Report any signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness) to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid sudden changes in position (e.g., standing up quickly) to minimize dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
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 continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Frucard may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment or when changing doses. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Monitor your fluid intake as advised by your doctor to prevent dehydration or fluid overload.
- Maintain a balanced diet and follow any dietary restrictions recommended by your doctor, especially regarding sodium and potassium intake.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure and weight as instructed.
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