Summary of medicine characteristics - FRUSOL 40 MG / 5ML ORAL SOLUTION
Frusol 40mg/5ml Oral Solution
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each 5ml contains 40 milligrams Furosemide
Excipient(s) with known effect:
Ethanol
397.28mg/5ml
2.5g/5ml
0.35mg/5ml
Liquid Maltitol (E 965)
Propylene Glycol (E1520)
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
A clear colourless to straw coloured liquid (Oral Solution)
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Furosemide is indicated in all conditions requiring prompt diuresis, including cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and renal oedema, peripheral oedema due to mechanical obstruction or venous insufficiency and hypertension.
It is also indicated for the maintenance therapy of mild oedema of any origin.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults
The usual initial daily dose is 40mg. This may be adjusted until an effective dose is achieved.
Paediatric population
1 to 3mg/Kg body weight daily up to a maximum total dose of 40mg/day.
Elderly
In the elderly, Furosemide is generally eliminated more slowly. Dosage should be titrated until the required response is achieved.
Method of administration
For oral use.
Suitable for administration via nasogastric (NG) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. For further instructions see section 6.6.
The medication should be administered in the morning to avoid nocturnal diuresis.
4.3. Contra-indications
| Contra-indicated conditions | See also |
| Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or sulphonamides, sulphonamide derivatives. | – |
| Hypovolaemia and dehydration (with or without accompanying hypotension) | Section 4.4 |
| Severe hypokalaemia: severe hyponatraemia | Section 4.4 |
| Comatose or pre-comatose states associated with hepatic cirrhosis or encephalopathy | Section 4.4 |
| Anuria or renal failure with anuria not responding to furosemide, renal failure as a result of poisoning by nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic agents | – |
| Impaired renal function with a creatinine clearance below 30ml/min per 1.73 m2 body surface area | Section 4.4 |
| Addison’s disease | Section 4.4 |
| Digitalis intoxication | Section 4.5 |
| Concomitant potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics | Section 4.5 |
| Breast-feeding women | Section 4.6 |
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Conditions requiring correction before furosemide is started (see also section 4.3)
Hypotension
Hypovolaemia
Severe electrolyte disturbances – particularly hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia and acid-base disturbances
Furosemide is not recommended
In patients at high risk for radiocontrast nephropathy – it should not be used for diuresis as part of the preventative measures against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy.
In elderly patients with dementia taking risperidone – Increased mortality (see below and section 4.5)
Particular caution and/or dose reduction required:
elderly patients (lower initial dose as particularly susceptible to sideeffects – see section 4.2).
difficulty with micturition including prostatic hypertrophy (increased risk of urinary retention: consider lower dose). Closely monitor patients with partial occlusion of the urinary tract
in moderate liver congestion dosage adjustment may be needed
diabetes mellitus (latent diabetes may become overt: insulin requirements in established diabetes may increase: stop furosemide before a glucose tolerance test)
pregnancy (see section 4.6)
gout (furosemide may raise uric acid levels/precipitate gout)
impaired hepatic function – hepatic failure and alcoholic cirrhosis particularly predispose to hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia (see section 4.3 and below – monitoring required)
impaired renal function and hepato-renal syndrome (see section 4.3 and below – monitoring required)
adrenal disease (see section 4.3 – contraindication in Addison’s disease)
hypoproteinemia e.g. nephrotic syndrome (effect of furosemide may be impaired and its ototoxicity potentiated – cautious dose titration required).
acute hypercalcaemia (dehydration results from vomiting and diuresis -correct before giving furosemide). Treatment of hypercalcaemia with a high dose of furosemide results in fluid and electrolyte depletion -meticulous fluid replacement and correction of electrolyte required
premature infants – possible development of nephrocalcinosis/ nephrolithiasis (see below – monitoring of renal function required)
some diuretics have been considered unsafe in acute porphyria
symptomatic hypotension leading to dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness can occur in patients treated with furosemide, particularly in the elderly, patients on other medications which can cause hypotension and patients with other medical conditions that are risks for hypotension.
Avoidance with other medicines (see also section 4.5 for other interactions)
concurrent NSAIDs should be avoided – if not possible diuretic effect of furosemide may be attenuated
ACE-inhibitors & Angiotensin II receptor antagonists – severe hypotension may occur – dose of furosemide should be reduced/stopped (3 days) before starting or increasing the dose of these concurrent risperidone in elderly patients with dementia has resulted in increased mortality – no mechanism for and no consistent pattern of deaths identified (see section 4.5)
Laboratory and other monitoring requirements:
Serum sodium
Particularly in the elderly or in patients liable to electrolyte deficiency
Serum potassium
The possibility of hypokalaemia should be taken into account, in particular in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, those receiving concomitant treatment with corticosteroids, those with an unbalanced diet and those who abuse laxatives. Regular monitoring of the potassium, and if necessary treatment with a potassium supplement, is recommended in all cases, but is essential at higher doses and in patients with impaired renal function. It is especially important in the event of concomitant treatment with digoxin, as potassium deficiency can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of digitalis intoxication (see section 4.5). A potassium-rich diet is recommended during long-term use.
Frequent checks of the serum potassium are necessary in patients with impaired renal function and creatinine clearance below 60ml/min per 1.73m2 body surface area as well as in cases where furosemide is taken in combination with certain other drugs which may lead to an increase in potassium levels (see section 4.5 & refer to section 4.8 for details of electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities)
Renal function
Frequent BUN in first few months of treatment, periodically thereafter. Long-term/high-dose BUN should regularly be measured. Marked diuresis can cause reversible impairment of kidney function in patients with renal dysfunction. Adequate fluid intake is necessary in such patients. Serum creatinine and urea levels tend to rise during treatment. If used in premature infants there is a risk of nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis so renal function must be monitored and renal ultrasonography performed
Glucose
Adverse effect on carbohydrate metabolism – exacerbation of existing carbohydrate intolerance or diabetes mellitus. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is desirable.
Other electrolytes
Patients with hepatic failure/alcoholic cirrhosis are particularly at risk of hypomagnesemia (as well as hypokalaemia). During long-term therapy (especially at high doses) magnesium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate and uric acid should be regularly measured.
Clinical monitoring requirements (see also section 4.8):
Regular monitoring for
blood dyscrasias. If these occur, stop furosemide immediately
| liver damage idiosyncratic reactions Excipient Warnings This product contains: Ethanol (Alcohol) – This medicine contains 79.5 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each ml. The amount in 5ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 10 ml beer or 4 ml wine. The amount of alcohol in this medicine is not likely to have an effect in adults and adolescents, and its effects in children are not likely to be noticeable. It may have some effects in younger children, for example feeling sleepy. The alcohol in this medicine may alter the effects of other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. If you are addicted to alcohol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Liquid Maltitol (E 965) – Patients with rare hereditary problem of fructose intolerance should not take this medicine. Propylene Glycol (E1520) – This medicine contains 0.35 mg propylene glycol in each 5ml. If your baby is less than 4 weeks old, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving them this medicine, in particular if the baby is given other medicines that contain propylene glycol or alcohol. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5ml, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. | |
| 4.5. | Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction Antihypertensives – enhanced hypotensive effect possible with all types. Concurrent use with ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor antagonists can result in marked falls in blood pressure, furosemide should be stopped or the dose reduced before starting an ACE-inhibitor or Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (see section 4.4). Increased risk of first dose hypotension with post-synaptic alpha-blockers (eg prazosin). Furosemide may interact with ACE inhibitors causing impaired renal function. Antipsychotics – furosemide-induced hypokalaemia increases the risk of cardiac toxicity. Avoid concurrent use with pimozide. Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with pimozide (avoid concurrent use), amisulpride or sertindole. Enhanced hypotensive effect with phenothiazines. In placebo-controlled trials in elderly patients with dementia, a higher incidence of mortality was observed in patients treated with furosemide plus risperidone. No consistent pattern for cause of death was observed but caution |
should be exercised and the risks and benefits of this combination considered prior to the decision to use.
Anti-arrhythmics (including amiodarone, disopyramide, flecainide and sotalol) – risk of cardiac toxicity (because of furosemide-induced hypokalaemia). The effects of lidocaine, tocainide or mexiletine may be antagonised by furosemide.
Cardiac glycosides – hypokalaemia and electrolyte disturbances (including hypomagnesemia) increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Drugs that prolong Q-T interval – increased risk of toxicity with furosemide induced electrolyte disturbances.
Vasodilators – enhanced hypotensive effect with moxisylyte (thymoxamine) or hydralazine.
Other diuretics – profound diuresis possible when furosemide given with metolazone. Increased risk of hypokalaemia with thiazides. Contraindicated with potassium sparing diuretics (eg amiloride spironolactone) – increased risk of hyperkalaemia (see section 4.3). Concurrent use with tetracyclines may increase the risk of rising BUN (see section 4.4 – monitoring).
Renin inhibitors – aliskiren reduces plasma concentrations of furosemide.
Nitrates – enhanced hypotensive effect.
Lithium – furosemide reduces lithium excretion with increased plasma lithium concentrations (risk of cardio- and/or neuro-toxicity). Avoid concomitant administration unless plasma levels are monitored.
Chelating agents – sucralfate may decrease the gastro-intestinal absorption of furosemide – the 2 drugs should be taken at least 2 hours apart.
Lipid regulating drugs – Bile acid sequestrants (eg colestyramine: colestipol) – reduced absorption of furosemide – administer 2 to 3 hours apart.
NSAIDs – increased risk of nephrotoxicity (especially with pre-existing hypovolaemia/dehydration. Indometacin and ketorolac may antagonise the effects of furosemide (avoid if possible see section 4.4). In patients with dehydration or hypovolaemia, NSAIDs may cause acute renal insufficiency.
Salicylates – effects may be potentiated by furosemide. Salicylic toxicity may be increased by furosemide.
Antibiotics – increased risk of ototoxicity with aminoglycosides, polymixins or vancomycin – only use concurrently if compelling reasons. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with aminoglycosides or cefaloridine. Furosemide can decrease vancomycin serum levels after cardiac surgery. Increased risk of hyponatraemia with trimethoprim.
Antiviral – plasma concentrations of diuretics may be increased by nelfinavir, ritonavir or saquinavir.
Antidepressants – enhanced hypotensive effect with MAOIs. Increased risk of postural hypotension with TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants). Increased risk of hypokalaemia with reboxetine.
Antidiabetics – hypoglycaemic effects antagonised by furosemide.
Antiepileptics – increased risk of hyponatraemia with carbamazepine. Diuretic effect reduced by phenytoin.
Antihistamines – hypokalaemia with increased risk of cardiac toxicity.
Antifungals – increased risk of hypokalaemia and nephrotoxicity with amphotericin.
Anxiolytics and hypnotics – enhanced hypotensive effect. Chloral hydrate or triclofos may displace thyroid hormone from binding site.
CNS stimulants (drugs used for ADHD) – hypokalaemia increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
Corticosteroids – diuretic effect anatgonised (sodium retention) and increased risk of hypokalaemia.
Cytotoxics – increased risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity with platinum compounds/cisplatin.
Anti-metabolites – effects of furosemide may be reduced by methotrexate and furosemide may reduce renal clearance of methotrexate
Potassium salts – contraindicated – increased risk of hyperkalaemia (see section 4.3)
Dopaminergics – enhanced hypotensive effect with levodopa.
Immunomodulators – enhanced hypotensive effect with aldesleukin. Increased risk of hyperkalaemia with ciclosprin and tacrolimus. Increased risk of gouty arthritis with ciclosporin
Muscle relaxants – enhanced hypotensive effect with baclofen or tizanidine. Increased effect of curare-like muscle relaxants
Oestrogens – diuretic effect antagonised
Progestogens (drospirenone) – increased risk of hyperkalaemia and diuretic effect antagonised.
Prostaglandins – enhanced hypotensive effect with alprostadil
Sympathomimetics – increased risk of hypokalaemia with high doses of beta2 sympathomimetics
Theophylline – enhanced hypotensive effect
Probenecid -effects of furosemide may be reduced by probenecid and furosemide may reduce renal clearance of probenecid.
Anaesthetic agents – general anaesthetic agents may enhance the hypotensive effects of furosemide. The effects of curare may be enhanced by furosemide.
Warfarin and clofibrate – compete with furosemide in binding to serum albumin – possibly significant if this is low (eg nephrotic syndrome).
Aminoglutethimide – concomitant use may increase the risk of hyponatraemia
Alcohol – enhanced hypotensive effect
Laxative abuse – increases the risk of potassium loss
Liquorice – excess intake may increase the risk of hypokalaemia.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Frusol must not be given during pregnancy unless there are compelling medical reasons.
Breast-feeding
Furosemide may inhibit lactation and may pass into breast milk. Women must not breastfeed if they are treated with furosemide.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Mental alertness may be reduced and the ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.
4.8. Undesirable effects
| Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).Blood and lymphatic system disorders: | Uncommon: | aplastic anaemia |
| Rare: | bone marrow depression (necessitates withdrawal of treatment), eosinophilia, leucopenia. | |
| Very rare: | haemolytic anaemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia |
| Metabolism and nutritional disorders: | Very common: | dehydration, hyponatraemia, hypochloremi metabolic alkalosis, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesemia (incidences of the last th: are reduced by triamterene) |
| Common: | Hypovolaemia, hypochloraemia | |
| Uncommon: | impaired glucose tolerance (by hypokalaen hyperuricaemia, gout, reduction of serum HDL-cholesterol, elevation of serum LDL-cholesterol, elevation of serum triglyceride hyperglycaemia. | |
| Very rare: | tetany | |
| Frequency not known: | aggravated pre-existing metabolic alkalosi decompensated cirrhosis of the liver), fluid electrolyte disturbances, excretion of potas increased* In patients with diabetes melliti this may lead to deterioration of metabolic control; latent diabetes mellitus may becon manifest | |
| Psychiatric disorder: | Rare: | psychiatric disorder NOC |
| Nervous system disorders: | Rare: | paraesthesia, confusion, headache |
| Not known: | dizziness, fainting and loss of consciousne: (caused by symptomatic hypotension) | |
| Eye disorders: | Uncommon: | visual disturbance, blurred vision, yellow vision. |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders: | Uncommon: | deafness (sometimes irreversible) |
| Rare: | tinnitus and reversible or irreversible loss o hearing (although usually transitory, particularly in patients with renal failure, hypoproteinaemia (e.g. in nephritic syndro | |
| Cardiac disorders: | Uncommon: | orthostatic intolerance, cardiac arrhythmia: increased risk or persistence of patent duct arteriosus in premature infants. |
| Vascular disorders: | Very common: | hypotension, (which, if pronounced may ci signs and symptoms such as impairment of concentration and reactions, light-headedn sensations of pressure in the head, headach drowsiness, weakness, disorders of vision, mouth, orthostatic intolerance). |
| Rare: | vasculitis, thrombosis, shock | |
| Gastrointestinal disorders: | Uncommon: | dry mouth, thirst, nausea, bowel motility disturbances, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipa |
| Rare: | acute pancreatitis (in long-term diuretic treatment, including furosemide). | |
| Hepatobiliary disorders: | Rare: | pure intrahepatic cholestasis (jaundice), he function abnormal. |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: | Rare: | rash, pruritus, photosensitivity, toxic epide necrolysis. |
| Frequency not known: | urticaria, erythema multiforme, purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, itching, allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, various form dermatitis including urticaria, bullous lesio acute generalised exanthematous pustulosi (AGEP). When these occur treatment shou withdrawn. Steven-Johnson’s syndrome | |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: | Uncommon: | muscle cramps, muscle weakness. |
| Renal and urinary disorders: | Very common: | nephrocalcinosis in infants |
| Uncommon: | reduced diuresis, urinary incontinence, urii obstruction (in patients with hyperplasia of prostate, bladder inability to empty, urethr< stricture unspecified). | |
| Rare: | acute renal failure. | |
| Frequency not known: | Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatocellular insufficiency may occur. | |
| Congenital, familial and genetic disorders: | Rare: | patent ductus arteriosus |
| General disorders and administration site conditions: | Uncommon: | Fatigue |
| Rare: | malaise, fever, severe anaphylactoid or anaphylactic reactions (e.g. with shock). | |
| Investigations: | Common: | creatinine increased, blood urea increased |
| Rare: | Transaminases increased, blood |
*Potassium deficiency manifests itself in neuromuscular symptoms (muscular weakness, paralysis), intestinal symptoms (vomiting, constipation, meterorism), renal symptoms (polyuria) or cardiac symptoms. Severe potassium depletion can result in paralytic ileus or confusion, which can result in coma.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms
Overdosing may lead to dehydration and electrolyte depletion through excessive diuresis. Severe potassium loss may lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
Management
Treatment of overdose consists of fluid replacement and electrolyte imbalance correction.
5.1. Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group:High-Ceiling Diuretic Sulfonamide ATC code: CO3C A 01
Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic which inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption at the Loop of Henle. The drug eliminates both positive and negative free water production. Furosemide acts at the luminal face of the epithelial cells by inhibiting co-transport mechanisms for the entry of sodium and chloride. Furosemide gains access to its site of action by being transported through the secretory pathway for organic acids in the proximal tubule. It reduces the renal excretion of uric acid. Furosemide causes an increased loss of potassium in the urine and also increases the excretion of ammonia by the kidney.
5.2. Pharmacokinetic properties
When oral doses of Furosemide are given to normal subjects the mean bioavailability of the drug is approximately 52% but the range is wide. In plasma, Furosemide is extensively bound to proteins mainly to albumin. The unbound fraction in plasma averages 2 – 4% at therapeutic concentrations. The volume of distribution ranges between 170 – 270ml/Kg. The half life of the B phase ranges from 45 – 60 min. The total plasma clearance is about 200ml/min. Renal excretion of unchanged drug and elimination by metabolism plus faecal excretion contribute almost equally to the total plasma clearance. Furosemide is in part cleared by the kidneys in the form of the glucuronide conjugate.
5.3. Preclinical safety data
Furosemide is a widely used diuretic which has been available for over thirty years and its safety profile in man is well established.
6.1. List of excipients
Ethanol, sodium hydroxide, cherry flavour (containing ethanol and propylene glycol (E1520)), liquid maltitol (E965), disodium hydrogen phosphate (E339), citric acid monohydrate (E330) and purified water.
6.2. Incompatibilities
None known
6.3. Shelf life
24 months
3 months after first opening
6.4. Special precautions for storage
Store at or below 25°C.
6.5. Nature and contents of container
Bottles: Amber (Type III) glass
Closures: HDPE, EPE wadded, tamper evident, child resistant
Capacity: 150ml.
6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Instruction for administration via nasogastric (NG) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes:
Ensure that the enteral feeding tube is free from obstruction before administration.
1. Flush the enteral tube with water, a minimum flush volume of 5mL is required.
2. Administer the required dose of Furosemide Oral Solution gently and slowly into enteral tube, with a suitable measuring device.
3. Flush the enteral tube with water again. A minimum flush volume of 5mL is required. However, for large bore size tubes (18 Fr) a minimum flush volume of 10mL should be used.
This product has not been tested with latex NG or PEG tubes and therefore should not be used with tubes made from latex.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDERRosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Yorkdale Industrial Park
Braithwaite Street
Leeds
LS11 9XE
UK
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER
PL 00427/0110
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
06/04/1998 / 31/03/2003