Which IV push rate for furosemide is associated with minimizing ototoxic risk?

• A. 5 mg/min
• B. 20 mg/min
• C. 25 mg/min
• D. 10 mg/min

Answer: (D)

Ototoxicity risk from furosemide rises with how quickly it is given IV, so using a slow, controlled infusion minimizes that risk. The rate of 10 mg per minute is the commonly cited threshold that reduces exposure of the inner ear structures to high drug concentrations while still delivering the diuretic effect in a timely way. Faster infusions, such as 20 or 25 mg/min, deliver the drug more rapidly and increase the chance of ototoxic effects. A rate as slow as 5 mg/min would further reduce exposure but is not the standard recommended rate in many guidelines and would unnecessarily delay effect in many clinical scenarios. Therefore, administering furosemide IV at 10 mg/min is the preferred approach to minimize ototoxic risk, with close monitoring for any tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing changes during therapy.