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  • Doley Road,
  • Byford,
  • Western Australia,
  • Phone: (040) 735-2836

Furosemide/Frusemide

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medicationWhy has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Furosemide (also called Frusemide) is used to help reduce the amount of water in the pet’s body by increasing the flow of urine. Furosemide is also used to treat high blood pressure by decreasing the workload of the heart and arteries. 

How does this medicine work?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It blocks sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle in the kidney. Magnesium and calcium reabsorption is dependent on sodium and chloride concentrations, and loop diuretics also inhibit their reabsorption. By disrupting the reabsorption of these ions, loop diuretics prevent the urine from becoming concentrated resulting in increased urine production.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Give this medication with meals.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Your veterinarian may need to monitor your pet's blood to check potassium levels.

- Possible side effects include excessive thirst, drowsiness, weakness, restlessness, diminished urination in relation to fluid intake, stomach upset or a fast heart rate. Contact your veterinarian if side effects are noted and they are troublesome.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jul 28, 2015.