Anaphylaxis to intravenous furosemide

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Immunology
• Allergy

Background:

• Hypertension is a common condition often managed with diuretics.
• Furosemide is a widely used loop diuretic for managing fluid overload and hypertension.

Observation:

• A patient with hypertension experienced immediate hypersensitivity symptoms including urticaria, angioedema, and hypotension post-intravenous furosemide administration.
• Symptoms developed rapidly, within five minutes of drug administration.

Findings:

• Immediate hypersensitivity to furosemide was confirmed through positive skin tests.
• Cross-reactivity was observed, with positive skin tests to other sulfonamide-based drugs.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented anaphylactic reaction to furosemide.
• Clinicians should consider potential anaphylaxis to furosemide in patients with known sulfonamide drug sensitivity.
• Awareness of this adverse reaction is crucial for patient safety, especially in those with pre-existing drug allergies.