This is a potent loop diuretic.

Indications: pulmomary edema due to left ventricular failure; oliguria due to renal failure.

Cautions: hypotension; prosthetic enlargement; pregnancy; electrolyte imbalance, diabetes and gout. Contra-indications: hypokalaemia, liver failure, prostatism.

Side Effects: Hypokalemia, hyponatraemia, hypomagnesimia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hypotension.

Dose: by mouth, oedema, initially 40 mg in the morning.

Maintenance, 20 mg daily or 40 mg on alternate days, increased in resistant oedema to 80 mg daily.

Oliguria, initially 250 mg over 1 hour (rate not exceeding 4mg/minute); if necessary larger doses, increasing in steps of 250 mg, may be given every 4-6 hours to a max. dose of 2 g in 24 hrs; effective dose (up to 1g) can be repeated. Every 24 hours. Child, 1-3 mg/kg daily. By intramuscular or slow intravenous injection, i n i t i a l l y 20- 50 mg. Child, 0.5-1.5 mg/kg.

By intravenous infusion, in oliguria, 0.25-1 g at a rate not exceeding 4 mg/minute.