A Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Furosemide Tablets for Optimized Drug Delivery

*Corresponding author: Padwal P.N Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. A Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Furosemide Tablets for Optimized Drug Delivery Mujeba Rajjak Pathan 1, Prachi Nandkumar Padwal 2, * and Reema Chandrakant Londhe 2 1 Student, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India. 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quality Assurance Technique, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 Publication history: Received on 07 September 2025; revised on 14 October 2025; accepted on 17 October 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.24.1.0902 Abstract Furosemide is a strong loop diuretic commonly used to manage swelling linked to congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease. It also treats high blood pressure. Furosemide works mainly by blocking the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ co-transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This action leads to a notable increase in the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. Furosemide has a quick onset and a short duration of action, which makes it effective for both acute and chronic conditions. However, long-term use can cause electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and hearing damage, especially at high doses or when taken with other drugs that can harm hearing. The way furosemide works in the body can change based on how it is given, the person's kidney function, and individual patient factors. This overview summarizes furosemide’s medical effects, uses, and clinical factors, emphasizing its important role in diuretic treatment. Keywords: Furosemide; Loop diuretic; Laxis; Diuretic therapy; Water pill 1. Introduction Furosemide is a loop diuretic that treats fluid retention, or edema, in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a chronic kidney issue like nephrotic syndrome. It is also used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. Furosemide increases the amount of urine the body produces, which helps reduce swelling and symptoms of fluid retention. It also helps lower high blood pressure. Sometimes, people call furosemide "water pills" because it boosts urination. In some countries, furosemide is known as frusemide. It received FDA approval on July 1, 1966, and is available in various forms, including tablets (Lasix), an oral liquid, a subcutaneous injection (Furoscix), and an intravenous solution. However, its use requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects like electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, low blood pressure, and hearing damage. Available in both oral and intravenous forms, furosemide is essential for managing fluid overload and related conditions. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 259 Figure 1 Anatomy of Nephron showing Activity of Diuretics ● Reduce Fluid Buildup (Edema): This is especially important in conditions like: o Congestive Heart Failure – where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. o Liver Disease – such as cirrhosis, which can lead to fluid collecting in the abdomen and legs. o Kidney Disease – like nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease, where the body can't get rid of fluid properly. ● Control High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):Particularly useful when high blood pressure is linked to fluid overload. 1.1. How It’s Used (Therapeutic Scope): ● Managing Edema: o In heart failure, it helps remove fluid from the lungs and legs. o For liver cirrhosis, it reduces abdominal fluid (ascites) and swelling. o In kidney problems, it helps get rid of fluid the kidneys can’t eliminate on their own. ● Treating High Blood Pressure: o Especially helpful when fluid retention is part of the problem or when other treatments aren’t working. o Usually used along with other blood pressure medications, not typically the first choice for simple high blood pressure. ● Lowering High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia): o Can be used with IV saline to help flush out excess calcium from the body. 1.2. Where and How It’s Used (Clinical Scope): ● In Emergencies: Fast-acting versions (like IV furosemide) are used when quick fluid removal is critical — for example, in acute pulmonary edema. ● In Hospitals: Often given through an IV to rapidly reduce fluid in patients who are hospitalized. ● At Home (Outpatient): Taken by mouth to help manage ongoing conditions like chronic swelling or heart failure. ● In Children (Pediatrics): Doses are adjusted carefully for kids, especially those with congenital heart issues or other conditions causing edema. ● In Older Adults (Geriatrics): Commonly used, but with close monitoring — older adults are more sensitive to its effects and at higher risk of falls or kidney issues. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 260 Figure 2 Furosemide – Disease Interaction 2. Literature Review Methodology: This review was carried out through a structured search of peer-reviewed studies across several academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We used specific keywords such as: ● “Furosemide” ● “Loop diuretic” ● “Pharmacokinetics of furosemide” ● “Furosemide clinical use” ● “Adverse effects of furosemide” ● “Furosemide in heart failure” Priority was given to articles published between 2010 and 2025, although key older studies were included when they provided essential background or foundational information. 2.1. Inclusion criteria ● Original research articles ● Clinical trials ● Meta-analyses ● Review papers focusing on human studies 2.2. Exclusion criteria ● Non-English papers ● Case reports ● Animal-only studies (unless they contributed novel or foundational insights) ● Relevant studies were analyzed by theme and categorized into key areas such as pharmacology, clinical applications, effectiveness, side effects, and interactions with other drugs. 2.3. Tablet Formulation Process (Wet Granulation Method) The tablets were made using the wet granulation technique, following these steps: ● Mixing: The active drug, sustained-release agents, and diluents were weighed accurately and mixed thoroughly in a mortar to ensure a uniform blend. ● Granulation: A binder solution (5% w/v starch paste—typically 5% starch in water) was added gradually to moisten the powder. The mixture was then kneaded into a damp mass. ● Sieving & Drying: The wet mass was passed through a #16 mesh sieve, then dried in a hot air oven at 40–45°C until its moisture content dropped below 2%. ● Sifting: The dried granules were further sieved through a #20 mesh to ensure uniform size. ● Lubrication: Talc and magnesium stearate were added to the granules and blended for about 5 minutes to reduce friction during compression. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 261 ● Compression: The final blend was compressed into tablets using either a single-station or multi-station tablet press equipped with flat-faced punches. Table 1 Equipment used Table 2 Formulation and Evaluation of furosemide Ingredients F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Furosemide(mg) 40 40 40 40 40 HPMC K4M(mg) 55 70 70 70 70 Sodium bicarbonate 50 25 50 50 25 PVP k30 4 4 4 10 10 Magnesium stearate 4 4 4 4 4 Talc 6 6 6 6 6 Avieel PH Q.S Q.S Q.S Q.S Q.S Total 200 200 200 200 200 World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 262 Figure 3 Dissolution Rate Test Apparatus 3. Result and discussionTable 3 Weight Variation Tablets NO. Weight Variation (mg) F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 1 188 147 165 150 155 147 2 160 159 155 148 152 158 3 185 146 150 147 149 147 4 148 141 149 167 147 147 5 155 144 147 145 148 149 6 154 154 148 146 151 150 7 127 143 152 162 146 155 8 143 148 154 148 158 148 9 160 147 147 151 150 152 10 131 147 148 149 148 154 TOTAL 1551 1486 1514 1513 1513 1500 Average Weight(X) 155.1 148.6 151.4 151.3 151.3 150 SD=X*7.5% 11.6 11.1 11.3 11.34 11.34 11.25 Lower Range 143.5 137.5 140.1 140 140 138.75 Higher Range 166.7 159.7 162.7 162.6 162.6 161.25 World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 263 Table 4 Evaluation test of Tablets. Formulation code Average Weight (mg)+_S.D Thickness (mm) Diameter (mm)+_S.D Friability % Hardness Kg/cm In -Vitro Disintegration (sec)time F1 155 +_0.6 5.3+_0.04 8.19+_0.41 0.66+_0.01 10+_0.15 3 F2 148+_O.7 5.4+_0.04 8.17+_0.41 0.65+_0.02 9.2+_0,12 2 F3 151+_0.5 5.3+_0.02 8.41+_0.42 1.10+_0.03 10+_0.15 4 F4 151+_0.6 5.4+_0.04 8.45+_0.42 0.38+_0.03 9.8+_0.14 9 F5 151+_0.7 5.3+_0.04 8.41+_0.42 0.07+_0.01 11+_0.25 5 F6 150+_0.6 5.3+_0.02 8.42_+0.42 0.47+_0.03 12+_0.30 7 4. Conclusion of Formulation and Evaluation of Orodispersible Tablets (ODTs) of Furosemide Furosemide was selected as a model drug for the development of orodispersible tablets (ODTs) using the direct compression technique. Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed for adults, infants, and children to treat edematous conditions associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disorders. Additionally, oral Furosemide is used in adults for the treatment of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. The ODTs were formulated using crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate as superdisintegrants, which enhance rapid tablet disintegration in the oral cavity. The prepared tablets exhibited acceptable hardness and friability, while disintegrating quickly in the mouth without the need for water, making them suitable for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. In-vitro drug release studies demonstrated significantly improved dissolution rates, indicating the potential for faster onset of action and enhanced bioavailability. Among the different formulations tested, F4 and F2 showed the most promising results: 4.1. Formulation F2 ● Disintegration time: 2 seconds ● Drug release at 5 minutes: 76.51% 4.2. Formulation F4 ● Disintegration time: 9 seconds ● Drug release at 5 minutes: 90.72% These results confirm that both F4 and F2 rapidly dispersed in the mouth and provided efficient drug release. Thus, they can be considered the optimal formulations for delivering Furosemide via ODTs, ensuring quick onset of therapeutic action and potentially improved patient compliance and bioavailability. Compliance with ethical standard Acknowledgement We sincerely acknowledge the continuous guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback provided by our mentor, Prof.Ms. Prachi Nandkumar Padwal . Their expertise and patience have been instrumental in shaping this review paper. We also extend our gratitude to Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Pune, Maharashtra. Disclosure of conflict of interest No conflict of interest to be disclosed. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 264 References [1] Zhang F, Mao J, Tian G, Jiang H, Jin Q. (2022). Preparation and characterization of furosemide solid dispersion with enhanced solubility and bioavailability. AAPS PharmSciTech, 23(1), 65. [2] Kumar S, Kumar M. (2016). Preformulation study of furosemide. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 8(13), 214–222. [3] Sweetman SC. (Ed.). (2007). Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia (35th ed.). London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press. [4] Sanborn KD. (Ed.). (2007). Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) (61st ed.). Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Co. [5] Gaurav et al. (2015). Formulation and evaluation of disintegrating tablet of famotidine. Pharmaceutical Science Monitor, 6(1), 75–93. [6] Bamania BN. (2013). Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving famotidine solid dispersion tablet. American Journal of Pharmaceutical and Technology Research, 3(5). [7] Furtado S. (2008). Development and characterization of orodispersible tablets of famotidine containing a subliming agent. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 7(4), 1185–1189. [8] Sukhavasi S. (2012). Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablets of amlodipine besylate using fenugreek seed mucilage and Ocimum basilicum gum. International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, 1(9), 243– 249. [9] Vimalson DC, Anbazhagan S, Gokul L, Idhayadharani S, Ranjith S, Sabarinathan J, Surya R. (2019). Enhancement of solubility and dissolution characteristics of furosemide by solid dispersion. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 11(8), 696–719. [10] Brunton LL (Ed.). (2006). Goodman and Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. [11] Mascoli V, Kuruganti U, Bapuji A, Wang R, Damle B. (2013). Pharmacokinetics of a novel orodispersible tablet of amlodipine in healthy subjects. Journal of Bioequivalence & Bioavailability, 5, 76–79. [12] Liu Y, Jia J, Liu G, Li S, Lu C, Liu Y, Yu C. (2009). Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence evaluation of two formulations of 10-mg amlodipine besylate: An open-label, single-dose, randomized, two-way crossover study in healthy Chinese male volunteers. Clinical Therapeutics, 31(4), 777–783. [13] Berko S, Regdon G Jr., Ducza E, Falkay G, Eros I. (2002). In vitro and in vivo study in rats of rectal suppositories containing furosemide. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 53(3), 311–315. [14] Haegeli L, Brunner-La Rocca HP, Wenk M, Pfisterer M, Drewe J, Krahenbuhl S. (2007). Sublingual administration of furosemide: A new application of an old drug. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 64(6), 804–809. [15] Regdon G, Fazekas T, Regdon G, Selmeczi B. (1997). Formulation and in vitro examination of furosemidecontaining suppositories and preliminary experiences of their clinical use. Acta Pharmaceutica Hungarica, 67(1), 19–23. [16] Uchida T, Yoshida M, Hazekawa M, Haraguchi T, Furuno H, Teraoka M, Ikezaki H. (2013). Evaluation of palatability of 10 commercial amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets by gustatory sensation testing. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 65(9), 1312–1320. [17] Jang DJ, Bae SK, Oh E. (2014). Coated dextrin microcapsules of amlodipine incorporable into orally disintegrating tablets for geriatric patients. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 68(8), 1117–1124. [18] Unia B, Varun J. (2011). Formulation and evaluation of orodispersible tablet of amlodipine besylate. International Journal of Pharmacy & Technology, 3(4), 3745–3766. [19] Mohanachandran PS, Krishna Mohan PR, Fels S, Bini KB, Beenu B, Shalina KK. (2010). Formulation and evaluation of mouth dispersible tablets of amlodipine besylate. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, 2(3), 1–6. [20] Roy A. (2016). Orodispersible tablets: A review. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 9, 19– 26. [21] Srikrishna S, Cardozo L. (2013). The vagina as a route for drug delivery: A review. International Urogynecology Journal, 24(4), 537–543. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 258-265 265 [22] Brunton L, Chabner B, Knollmann B. (2011). Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (12th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. [23] Santosh R, Kumar T, Yagnesh NS. (2018). Orodispersible systems – An alternative approach for enhanced therapeutic action. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(12). [24] Rahane RD, Rachh PR. (2018). A review on orodispersible tablets. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 8(5), 50–55. [25] Nagar P, et al. (2011). Orally disintegrating tablets: Formulation, preparation techniques and evaluation. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 1(4), 35–45. [26] Nehal SM, Garima G, Pramod KS. (2015). Fast dissolving tablets: Preparation, characterization and evaluation. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 31(2), 243–250. [27] Deshmukh H, Chandrashekhara S, Nagesh C, Murade A, Usgaunkar S. (2012). Superdisintegrants: A recent investigation and current approach. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology, 2, 19–25. [28] BNF. (2022–2023). British National Formulary. BMJ Group and Royal Pharmaceutical Society, S140–S141. [29] Preston CL. (2015). Stockley’s Drug Interaction Pocket Companion (2nd ed.). Pharmaceutical Press, S119–S576. [30] Borse LB, Bendale AR, Borse SL, Naphade VD, Jadhav AG. (2022). Formulation and evaluation of mouth dissolving tablet of rivaroxaban and its validation. Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, 19(4), 943–954. [31] Stuart BH. (2004). Infrared Spectroscopy: Fundamentals and Applications. Wiley. [32] Raymond CR, Sheskey PJ, Owen CS. (Eds.). (2005). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (5th ed.). [33] Shivangi S, Navneet V. (2025). Taste masked orodispersible tablets: A highly patient-compliant dosage form. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 11(5), 372–385. [34] Abdelbary G, Eouani C, Prinderre P, Joachim J, Reynier J, Piccerelle P. (2005). Determination of the in-vitro disintegration profile of rapidly disintegrating tablets and correlation with oral disintegration. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 292, 29–41. [35] Anusha P, Nirajana A, Mohammed S, Jilani S, Murali C, Harish G. (2013). Development and evaluation of drotaverine taste-masked tablets with improved dissolution efficiency using solid dispersion technique. International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences, 1, 275–280. [36] Srikanth M, Uhumwangho M, Sunil S, Sreenivasa N, Ravi C, Ramana Murthy K. (2010). Design and revaluation of taste-masked Drotaverine HCl orodispersible tablets using polymethacrylate polymers. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2, 223–231.