Salix ® (furosemide tablets)

FOR USE IN ANIMALS ONLY

A diuretic-saluretic for prompt relief of edema.

Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

See package labeling for storage conditions.

Salix^® (furosemide tablets) is a chemically distinct diuretic and saluretic pharmacodynamically characterized by the following:

1) A high degree of efficacy, low-inherent toxicity and a high therapeutic index.

2) A rapid onset of action and of comparatively short duration.

3) A pharmacological action in the functional area of the nephron, i.e., proximal and distal tubules and the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

4) A dose-response relationship and a ratio of minimum to maximum effective dose range greater than tenfold.

5) It may be administered orally or parenterally.

It is readily absorbed from the intestinal tract and well tolerated.

The intravenous route produces the most rapid diuretic response.

The CAS Registry Number is 54-31-9.

Salix^®, a diuretic, is an anthranilic acid derivative with the following structural formula:

Chemical Structure

Generic name: Furosemide (except in United Kingdom-furosemide).

Chemical name: 4-chloro-N-furfuryl-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid.

Salix^® is a highly effective diuretic and if given in excessive amounts as with any diuretic may lead to excessive diuresis which could result in electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and reduction of plasma volume enhancing the risk of circulatory collapse, thrombosis, and embolism. Therefore, the animal should be observed for early signs of fluid depletion with electrolyte imbalance, and corrective measures administered. Excessive loss of potassium in patients receiving digitalis or its glycosides may precipitate digitalis toxicity. Caution should be exercised in animals administered potassium-depleting steroids.

It is important to correct potassium deficiency with dietary supplementation. Caution should be exercised in prescribing enteric-coated potassium tablets.

There have been several reports in human literature, published and unpublished, concerning nonspecific small-bowel lesions consisting of stenosis, with or without ulceration, associated with the administration of enteric-coated thiazides with potassium salts.

These lesions may occur with enteric-coated potassium tablets alone or when they are used with nonenteric-coated thiazides, or certain other oral diuretics. These small-bowel lesions may have caused obstruction, hemorrhage, and perforation. Surgery was frequently required, and deaths have occured. Available information tends to implicate enteric-coated potassium salts, although lesions of this type also occur spontaneously. Therefore, coated potassium-containing formulations should be administered only when indicated and should be discontinued immediately if abdominal pain, distention, nausea, vomiting, or gastro-intestinal bleeding occurs.

Human patients with known sulfonamide sensitivity may show allergic reactions to Salix^®; however, these reactions have not been reported in animals.

Sulfonamide diuretics have been reported to decrease arterial responsiveness to pressor amines and to enhance the effect of tubocurarine. Caution should be exercised in administering curare or its derivatives to patients undergoing therapy with Salix^® and it is advisable to discontinue Salix^® for one day prior to any elective surgery.

The usual dosage of Salix^® is 1 to 2 mg/lb. body weight (approximately 2.5 to 5 mg/kg). The lower dosage is suggested for cats.

Administer once or twice daily at 6 to 8 hour intervals either orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. A prompt diuresis usually ensues from the initial treatment. Diuresis may be initiated by the parenteral administration of Salix^® injection and then maintained by oral administration.

The dosage should be adjusted to the individual's response. In severe edematous or refractory cases, the dose may be doubled or increased by increments of 1 mg per pound body weight. The established effective dose should be administered once or twice daily. The daily schedule of administration can be timed to control the period of micturition for the convenience of the client or veterinarian.

Mobilization of the edema may be most efficiently and safely accomplished by utilizing an intermittent daily dosage schedule, i.e. every other day or 2 to 4 consecutive days weekly.

Diuretic therapy should be discontinued after reduction of the edema, or maintained after determining a carefully programmed dosage schedule to prevent recurrence of edema. For long-term treatment, the dose can generally be lowered after the edema has once been reduced. Re-examination and consultations with client will enhance the establishment of a satisfactorily programmed dosage schedule. Clinical examination and serum BUN, CO2 and electrolyte determinations should be performed during the early period of therapy and periodically thereafter, especially in refractory cases. Abnormalities should be corrected or the drug temporarily withdrawn.

DOSAGE: ORAL

REFERENCES available upon request

Salix^® Tablets 12.5 mg and 50 mg

Furosemide (active ingred.) made in Germany. Formulated in Austria.

© 2024, Intervet Inc. (d/b/a Merck Animal Health) Rahway, NJ 07065

Rev. 08/24

220840 R2

Salix^®
(furosemide tablets)

50mg

Caution: Federal law restricts this
drug to use by or on the order
of a licensed veterinarian.

Do not use if bottle
closure seal is broken.

Store at or below
25° C (77°F)

Keep this and all
medication out of the
reach of children.

500 Tablets

MERCK
Animal Health

Salix^®
(furosemide tablets)

12.5 mg

Caution: Federal law restricts this
drug to use by or on the order of
a licensed veterinarian.

Do not use if bottle closure
seal is broken.

Store at or below 25° C (77°F)

Keep this and all
medication out of the
reach of children.

500 Tablets

MERCK
Animal Health