DIUMIDE K TAB (TABLET)

Dosage: One tablet daily by mouth, usually in the morning. Dose may be adjusted according to the patient's response. Note: Diumide-K tablet should not be chewed so as not to destroy the controlled release system constituting the potassium chloride layer. Or as prescribed by the physician. Overdosage: Treatment of overdosage should be aimed at fluid replacement and correction of the resulting electrolyte imbalance. Administration: Should be taken with food: Swallow whole, do not chew/crush. Contraindications: Hyperkalemia, pre-comatose states associated w/ hepatic cirrhosis; prostatic hyperplasia or impaired micturition. Pregnancy & lactation. Furosemide: May compromise placental perfusion & inhibit lactation. Special Precautions: Care should be taken in patients being concurrently administered with cardiac glycosides, hypotensive agents and cephaloridine. Care should be exercised in patients with renal insufficiency where there is a risk of hyperkalaemia. Diumide-K tablet should be administered with caution during the first trimester of pregnancy. As with all medicines, Diumide-K tablet should be kept out of reach of children. Use In Pregnancy & Lactation: Should be used with caution during pregnancy and breast feeding since furosemide crosses the placenta and also appears in breastmilk. Furosemide may compromise placental perfusion by reducing maternal blood volume; it may also inhibit lactation. Diumide-K tablet should be administered with caution during the first trimester of pregnancy. Caution for Usage: Further Information: Furosemide produces a rapid and sustained diuresis which lasts for approximately four hours following administration. The potassium chloride content is release from the tablet over a prolonged period, ensuring maximum absorption and maximize "flushing out" of the potassium by the action of the diuretic as well as gastric side effects. Side Effects / Adverse Reactions: Furosemide is generally well tolerated and the tablet minimizes gastrointestinal side effects often associated with Potassium administration. In rare instance of allergic reaction, treatment should be discontinued. Hyperuricemia may occur with Furosemide therapy. Bone marrow depression has also been reported as a rare complication and therapy should be withdrawn. Interactions: May enhance nephrotoxicity of cephalosporins eg, cefalotin. May enhance ototoxicity of aminoglycosides & other ototoxic drugs. Mechanism of Action: Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Furosemide is fairly rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; bioavailability has been reported to be about 60 to 70% but absorption is variable and erratic. The half-life is up to about 2 hours, it is prolonged in neonates and in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. It is up to 99% bound to plasma albumin, and is mainly excreted in the urine, largely unchanged. Furosemide crosses the placenta barrier and is distributed into breastmilk. The clearance of Furosemide is not increased by haemodialysis. Potassium salts are generally readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Potassium is excreted mainly from the kidneys; it is secreted in their distal tubules in exchange for sodium or hydrogen ions. Some potassium is excreted in the feces and small amounts may also be excreted in sweat.