Description:

Furosemide 20mg Injection BP by Atlantic Lifesciences Limited is a sterile solution for injection containing furosemide, a potent loop diuretic. It is used when prompt and effective diuresis is required, particularly in emergencies or when oral therapy is not feasible. Indications include edema/ascites from cardiac, hepatic, or renal diseases (including nephrotic syndrome), acute pulmonary edema (e.g., in acute heart failure), and hypertensive crises (as adjunctive therapy). It promotes rapid urine output by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, reducing fluid overload.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (Rx). Administered by healthcare professionals (IV or rarely IM) in hospitals/clinics with monitoring; not for self-administration. In Ghana, regulated by FDA Ghana

Therapeutic Category:

Loop diuretic / Antihypertensive ( high-ceiling diuretic for edema and fluid overload conditions).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Active ingredient: Furosemide 20 mg per 2 ml (10 mg/ml concentration; equivalent to 10 mg/ml solution for injection). Excipients: Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), sodium chloride (for isotonicity), water for injection (sterile, particle-free solution; clear and colorless). No preservatives in standard BP formulations.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (sodium chloride is for tonicity, not therapeutic mineral).

Variant: 20 mg/2 ml (10 mg/ml) ampoule/vial (standard strength for initial/bolus dosing; differs from 40 mg/4 ml or higher concentrations in some markets).

Consume Type:

Parenteral (intravenous slow injection or infusion; intramuscular in exceptional cases; never oral—tablets exist separately).

Directions/Usage: Administered only by trained healthcare professionals with monitoring (e.g., electrolytes, renal function, vital signs).

• Adults: Initial dose 20-40 mg IV (or IM exceptionally) as slow bolus (rate not exceeding 4 mg/min to avoid ototoxicity/hypotension); may repeat or increase based on response (e.g., up to 80-100 mg or higher in severe cases).
• For pulmonary edema/hypertensive crisis: 20-40 mg IV bolus initially.
• Infusion preferred for continuous effect (e.g., dilute in compatible fluid and infuse at controlled rate).
• Adjust dose in renal impairment/elderly (lower initial doses).
• Paediatric: Weight-based (e.g., 1 mg/kg IV, max per guidelines). Use shortest duration; monitor urine output, electrolytes (especially potassium), and weight.

Common Side Effects:

• Electrolyte imbalances: Hypokalaemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcaemia
• Dehydration/hypotension, dizziness, orthostatic symptoms
• Injection site pain/phlebitis
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Transient hearing impairment/tinnitus (especially rapid/high doses) Serious rare: Severe hypokalaemia (arrhythmias), acute kidney injury, ototoxicity (permanent in rare cases), allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis), gout exacerbation.

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 2 ml each (containing 20 mg furosemide), typically in packs of 5, 10, or 25 ampoules (sterile, single-use; often in trays/boxes with administration instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep in original packaging. Use immediately after opening ampoule; discard unused portion. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Slow IV administration only (rapid bolus risks ototoxicity, hypotension, arrhythmias).
• Contraindicated in anuria, severe hypokalaemia/hyponatremia, hypersensitivity, or hepatic coma/pre-coma.
• Caution in renal impairment (dose reduction), gout, diabetes (may affect glucose), or concomitant digoxin/aminoglycosides (enhanced toxicity).
• Monitor electrolytes frequently (replace potassium as needed); ensure adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.
• Pregnancy: Use if clearly needed (Category C); breastfeeding: Caution (excreted in milk).
• Not for routine use—indicated for acute/fluid overload states. Report adverse effects to FDA Ghana.

Product Substitutes: Other furosemide 20mg/2ml injections in Ghana: Generic furosemide injections (e.g., from importers like Ernest Chemists, Alpha Duo Pharma), Frudema (similar), or international generics (e.g., Lasix by Sanofi, Accord, or Baxter equivalents). Alternatives: Bumetanide or torsemide injections (other loop diuretics) for resistant edema—consult physician per condition (e.g., Ghana protocols for heart failure/edema favor furosemide).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Atlantic Lifesciences Limited (Ghana-based sterile pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer; leading local producer of injectables).

Country of Origin:

Ghana.