Frumil

What is it?

A preparation which is a loop and potassium-sparing diuretic produced in the form of scored, orange tablets containing 40mg frusemide and 5mg amiloride hydrochloride (coamilofruse), all marked FRUMIL. Also, FRUMIL LS, orange tablets containing 20mg frusemide and 2.5mg amiloride hydrochloride, marked LS. Also, FRUMIL FORTE, orange scored tablets containing 80mg frusemide and 10mg amiloride hydrochloride, all marked DS.

Medical Uses

Rapid diuresis (increased production and release of urine) when there is fluid retention and where conservation of potassium is desirable eg in liver ascites (cirrhosis), nephrosis (abnormal disorder of kidneys), oestrogen or corticosteroid therapy, congestive heart failure.

Dosage

Adults, Frumil tablets, 1 or 2 taken in morning; Frumil LS and Frumil Forte, 1 tablet taken in morning.

Special Care

Elderly, liver or kidney disease, enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in urination, gout, diabetes, acidosis.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, hyperkalaemia (raised blood potassium levels), absence of urination (anuria), imbalance of electrolytes, Addison's disease, coma resulting from cirrhosis of the liver, acute or progressive kidney failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Other potassium- sparing diuretics and potassium supplements, sympathomimetics, trilostane, ACE inhibitors, aminoglutethimide, cisplatin, hypoglycaemics, amphotericin, carbamazepine, antihypertensives, non-depolarizing muscle relaxants (anaesthetics), cardiac glycosides, cyclosporin, carbenoxolone, 8-agonists, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, amino- glycosides, lithium, phenytoin, cephalosporins, reboxetine.

Known Side Effects

Rash, gastro-intestinal upset, dry mouth, malaise; rarely, blood changes, slight psychiatric effects, disturbance of liver function tests, toxic effects on 8th cranial nerve or organs of balance and hearing (known as ototoxicity).