Description

IV Preparation

• Clear solution 10mg/ml in 2 ml ampoules. Osmolality 287 mOsm/kg, pH 8 – 9.3
• Do not use if the solution is a yellow colour.

• Use Lasix ® brand, containing frusemide 10 mg/ ml in 30 ml bottles .

Prescription

• Stat IV and oral doses are charted on stat page of prescription chart in mg/dose.
• Maintenance doses are charted on prescription chart in mg/dose.

Charted on fluid chart giving:

• rate in ml/hour.
• dose in mg/kg/hour.

Also charted on drug chart under "continuous infusion" giving:

• amount of drug to be added.
• type and volume of base fluid.
• note dose as mg/kg/ml.

Administration

Slow IV Injection

1. Dilution is not required.
2. Administer by slow IV injection over 5 minutes. Filter prior to administration through a 0.2 micron Pall in-line filter.
3. Do NOT mix with other drugs, IV solution, blood or blood products.
4. Always flush with sodium chloride 0.9% after IV drug administration to prevent precipitation when mixing with drugs of low pH.

Continuous IV Infusion

1. Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride (preferred diluent) , glucose 5 % and glucose 10%
2. Administer via a syringe pump. Change fluid and tubing every 24 hours. Do not use discoloured solutions.
3. Incompatible with dobutamine, dopamine, gentamicin and other aminoglycosides midazolam, milrinone and morphine⁸.  Other drug compatibilities should be checked with ward pharmacist.

Oral

1. Preferably give one hour prior to feeds.  The presence of food may decrease bioavailability.  ¹

Nursing Considerations

1. Assess for signs of adverse effects.
2. Assess IV site carefully for signs of extravasation.
3. Record weight, B.P. and pulse rate. Record urine output accurately, especially for infants on continuous infusions.
4. Measure serum electrolytes, blood glucose, SBR.

Storage

References