Effect of Furosemide on Altitude Tolerance in Experimental Animals

Furosemide which is claimed to prevent acute mountain sickness and pulmonary oedema of high altitude was tried in experimental animals to evaluate its usefulness or otherwise as a measure of prophylaxis. 90 mice, 128 rats and 44 guinea pigs – all males – were used for the studies. Half the number in each species were kept as controls. The remaining half were further divided into two batches. The first batch was given furosemide 10 mg/kg body weight. Two h later they were exposed to simulated altitude of 30,000 ft for 6 h. The second batch was given two injections of furosemide at intervals of 24 h before exposure to simulated altitude. The controls were given distilled water. Our results show that the death rate was more in the furosemide-treated groups, both under mild as well as severe dehydration in all the species. The present study does not substantiate the claim that the drug can be used as prophylactic against acute mountain sickness and pulmonary oedema of high altitude.