You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Frusemide is a commonly used drug in veterinary practice, but there are certain circumstances when it should not be used, or should be used with great care

Frusemide is a potent diuretic and should not be used in animals with :

• Dehydration*
• Digitalis toxicity 
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Glomerular nephritis (acute)
• Hypokalaemia*
• Hypotension
• Hypovolaemia
• Kidney failure and anuria
• Severe liver dysfunction
• Hypersensitivity to sulphonamide drugs
• Polydipsia - high water intake can impair efficacy

Overdosage with frusemide can result in dehydration or ototoxicity and transient deafness

The following drugs should not be used concurrently with frusemide :

• ACE inhibitors - in dogs with renal insufficiency *
• Aminoglycoside antimicrobial drugs - can cause ototoxicity 
• Cephalosporins - can cause nephrotoxicity
• Mannitol - reduces efficacy
• NSAIDs
• Sulphonamides - can cause sensitivity

Ideally, older animals should be screened for subclinical problems* prior to administration of frusemide.

Updated January 2016