Medicine Information

Furotec

Name: Furotec
Brand: Furotec
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet500 mgLoop DiureticsATC: C03CA01

Generic Name

Furosemide

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
furotec 500 mg tablet	৳ 45.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Furotec 500 mg tablet contains Furosemide, a potent loop diuretic, used to treat edema (fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome. It is also used for hypertension and acute pulmonary edema.

Uses & Indications

Edema associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome.

Acute pulmonary edema.

Hypertension (usually in lower doses or in combination with other antihypertensives).

Dosage

Adults

For severe edema or acute renal failure: Initially 250-500 mg orally once daily. Doses can be adjusted based on response and electrolyte levels, up to 1500 mg per day in refractory cases under strict medical supervision.

Elderly

Start with lower doses (e.g., 20-40 mg daily) and titrate slowly. Elderly patients are more susceptible to side effects, especially dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Renal_impairment

Higher doses may be required, but careful monitoring of renal function and electrolytes is essential to avoid toxicity. Doses should be individualized.

How to Take

Take Furotec 500 mg tablet orally, with or without food, usually in the morning or early afternoon to avoid nocturia. Follow your doctor's instructions strictly.

Mechanism of Action

Furosemide acts primarily on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, where it inhibits the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter. This inhibition leads to increased excretion of sodium, potassium, chloride, and water, resulting in increased urine output.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Oral: 30-60 minutes; Intravenous: within 5 minutes.

Excretion

Excreted mainly by the kidneys (approximately 60-80% as unchanged drug) and through feces.

Half life

Approximately 1-2 hours in healthy individuals, prolonged in renal impairment.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Oral bioavailability is variable, typically 40-70%.

Metabolism

Minimally metabolized in the liver, primarily by conjugation to glucuronides.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Furosemide or sulfonamides.
Anuria (absence of urine production).
Hepatic coma or precoma.
Severe electrolyte depletion (e.g., severe hypokalemia or hyponatremia).
Severe renal impairment with anuria not responsive to Furosemide.

Drug Interactions

Digoxin

Increased risk of digitalis toxicity due to Furosemide-induced hypokalemia.

Lithium

Furosemide can reduce renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.

ACE inhibitors/ARBs

Increased risk of severe hypotension and renal impairment, especially with initial doses.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics

Increased risk of ototoxicity (hearing 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 acute hypovolemia, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia), dehydration, and potentially renal failure. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, involving fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Furosemide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human breast milk and may suppress lactation. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets (1x10 strip)30 tablets (3x10 strips)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, check the expiry date on the packaging.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

DGDA Approved

Patent Status

Generic available (off-patent)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Furosemide is a well-established drug with extensive clinical trial data supporting its efficacy and safety for treating edema and hypertension since its introduction in the 1960s. Ongoing research continues to explore its use in various clinical settings.

Lab Monitoring

Serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium) regularly, especially during initiation and dose adjustments.
Renal function tests (BUN, serum creatinine) to monitor kidney health.
Blood pressure monitoring to prevent severe hypotension.
Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients, as Furosemide can elevate blood sugar).

Doctor Notes

Emphasize close monitoring of fluid status, electrolytes (especially potassium), renal function, and blood pressure, particularly in elderly patients and those with underlying cardiac or renal conditions.
Counsel patients on symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and when to seek immediate medical attention.

Patient Guidelines

Take Furotec exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Report any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., unusual thirst, dry mouth, muscle weakness, confusion) to your doctor immediately.
Do not stop taking Furotec without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
Avoid excessive sun exposure as Furosemide can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Furosemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision, especially when standing up quickly. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.