Medication 7-526 - Lasix (Furosemide)

CMH EMS & MIH Protocols

Scope of Practice:

• Registered Nurse
• Paramedic
• Community Paramedic

Route(s):

• IM/SQ, IO, IV,

Pharmacodynamics (class and mechanism of action):

• Potent diuretic (Inhibits reabsorption of sodium chloride. Promotes prompt diuresis. Vasodilation. Decreases absorption of water and increased production of urine.).

Pharmacokinetics:

• Half-life: 30 minutes.
• Onset time: 5 minutes.
• Peak action time: 30 minutes.
• Duration of action: 2 hours.

• Peak	12	24	36	48	60	72	84	96	108	120	132	minutes
  Duration	12	24	36	48	60	72	84	96	108	120	132	minutes

Dosing:

• Refer to specific protocol(s) below for dose(s).

Indications:

• Not in current standing order protocols.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy.
• Dehydration.

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

• Category C
• Risk not ruled out: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. FDA requires a relatively large amount of high-quality data on a pharmaceutical for it to be defined as Pregnancy Category A. As a result of this, many drugs that would be considered Pregnancy Category A in other countries are allocated to Category C by the FDA.

Potential Incompatibilities:

• None.

Precautions and Adverse Effects:

• Some studies suggest prehospital diagnosis of heart failure vs. pneumonia is only correct 60% of the time. Routine administration of Lasix to patients in suspected CHF should be discontinued.
• Should be protected from light.
• Use caution with dehydration.
• May prolong QT interval. 12-lead is indicated after administration.
• May cause hypotension.

Antidote:

• None.

Controlled Substance Information:

• Not a scheduled drug
• The DEA and FDA have not identified this drug with a schedule classification.
• DEA number: NA.
• Narcotic: No.
• Street names: NA.

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Polk, Hickory, Cedar, & St Clair County EMS Protocols is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.