Furosemide Information

Also known as

Brand names:

• Frusax
• Lasix
• Uremide

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval

Furosemide is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as a registered medicine.¹

World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List 2025

Furosemide is classified as an S5 Diuretic and Masking Agent by WADA and is Prohibited at all times (In and Out-of-Competition).²

This substance meets at least two of the following three criteria, as determined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

• It has the potential to enhance or does enhance sports performance
• It poses an actual or potential health risk to the athlete
• It violates the spirit of sport (as defined in The Code).

The Prohibited List is updated yearly after consultation with scientific, medical, and anti-doping experts to ensure that it aligns with the latest medical and scientific evidence and doping trends.

What is it?

Furosemide is a widely used potent natriuretic drug.³ It helps to remove fluid and electrolytes from the body.

Uses

Furosemide is prescription medication that is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, kidney disease and fluid retention.⁴

It can be used alone or in combination with other anti-hypertensive medications.⁵

It can be prescribed as an oral tablet or intravenously.⁶

How does it work?

Furosemide is classified as a loop diuretic which works by increasing urine production to reduce blood pressure and fluid retention.

It works at the level of the renal tubules in the kidneys where it inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride which increases water secretion via urine.

Adverse Health Effects and Risk

Adverse effects associated with the prescribed use of Furosemide are:

• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Allergic reaction

Additionally, if Furosemide is abused and used at higher doses:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Low blood pressure

What if an athlete has been prescribed Furosemide for a medical condition?

If an athlete has been prescribed Furosemide or another diuretic by a medical practitioner for treatment of a medical condition, they may be eligible for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

The TUE application should include:

• A completed TUE application form signed by the treating medical practitioner and athlete
• Detailed clinical letter(s) from treating medical practitioner and specialist(s) that includes:
  • The diagnosis including the athlete’s medical history, examination and diagnostic test results
  • Outcome of trials of alternative medications, and;
  • Current treatment, including medication/s, dose and route of administration.

More information for prescribing practitioners can be found at the WADA Checklist for TUE Application