How to give furosemide to rats? - briefly
Administer furosemide to rats by oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection at 2–5 mg per kilogram body weight, dissolved in sterile saline. Use 1 ml/kg for gavage or 0.5 ml/kg for IP injection and observe urine output to confirm diuretic effect.
How to give furosemide to rats? - in detail
Administering furosemide to laboratory rats requires precise dosage calculation, sterile preparation, appropriate delivery route, and careful post‑administration monitoring.
First, determine the dose based on body weight. Typical protocols use 10–20 mg kg⁻¹, but the exact amount should follow institutional guidelines and the specific experimental design. Weigh each animal, record the mass to the nearest gram, and calculate the required drug quantity using the formula:
Dose (mg) = Desired dose (mg kg⁻¹) × Weight (kg)
Second, prepare the injection solution. Dissolve pharmaceutical‑grade furosemide in sterile physiological saline or appropriate buffer to achieve a concentration that allows injection volumes of 0.1–0.2 mL per 100 g of body weight. Filter the solution through a 0.22 µm membrane to ensure sterility. Store the prepared solution on ice and use within 4 hours.
Third, select the delivery route. Common methods include:
- Intraperitoneal (IP) injection: insert a 25–27 G needle at a 30° angle into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, avoiding organs.
- Intravenous (IV) injection via the tail vein: warm the tail, dilate the vein with a gentle heat source, and insert a 30 G needle bevel up.
- Oral gavage: use a flexible gavage needle sized for the animal’s weight, deliver the calculated volume directly to the stomach.
Fourth, execute the injection. Restrain the rat gently but securely, using a rodent restrainer or manual hold. Verify needle placement before delivery. Administer the calculated volume slowly to prevent tissue damage and reflux.
Fifth, monitor the animal. Observe for signs of diuresis, changes in activity, respiratory distress, or abnormal behavior for at least 30 minutes post‑administration. Record body weight, urine output, and any adverse events. Provide access to water and food ad libitum.
Finally, document all steps, including dose, preparation details, injection route, and observations. Maintain records in compliance with institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) requirements.