Furosemide (Salix)

Generic Name of Furosemide (Salix): Furosemide

Indications for Furosemide (Salix)

Furosemide is a diuretic mainly used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, kidney disease, high blood pressure and edema. The drug helps to drain excessive fluids from the body. Oral diuretic tablet plays an important role in the treatment of conditions where removal of abnormally retained fluid is required.

Precautions when using Furosemide (Salix)

It is important to take a few precautions before administering Furosemide to the pet. Avoid Furosemide if the pet is allergic to it or other sulfonamides. As the drug is a potent diuretic-saluretic, large amounts of the drug would cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, never prescribe the drug to animals with electrolyte imbalance. Use with extreme caution in animals suffering from diabetes and kidney disease. Furosemide can interact with ototoxic antibiotics such as gentamicin or streptomycin; NSAIDS such as aspirin or Rimadyl; phenothiazines such as acepromazine; and Insulin, digoxin, and beta blockers such as propranolol. Therefore, do not administer the Furosemide in combination with these drugs. Check the potassium levels in pets before administering the medicine. Furosemide could reduce serum calcium levels and might be responsible for tetany in animals that have hypocalcemic tendency.

Side Effects of Furosemide (Salix)

Furosemide might give rise to certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, increased urination, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, itching, and rash. Pet owners having hypersensitivities to sulfa drugs should be extremely cautious while handling Salix. Wear gloves as there are possible chances of allergic reactions to the medicine.

Dosage for Furosemide (Salix)

The recommended dose of furosemide in dogs and cats is 1-2mg/pound once or twice a day (at 6-8 hour intervals). Cats are generally given a lower dose of the medicine. Higher doses are often administered based on the severity of the symptoms.