Drug Name

Furosemide

Drug Uses

Furosemide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

How to use

Use Furosemide as directed by your doctor.

• Furosemide may be taken with or without food.
• Use Furosemide exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Furosemide without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Furosemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Furosemide, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Furosemide at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Furosemide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Furosemide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Furosemide;
• you are unable to urinate.

• Furosemide may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Furosemide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Furosemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Diabetes patients - Furosemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Blood pressure should be monitored when taking Furosemide.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you use Furosemide. Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that also has potassium in it.
• Furosemide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Furosemide . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Furosemide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Caution is advised when using Furosemide in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Furosemide while you are pregnant. Furosemide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Furosemide, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal skin sensations; bladder spasm; blurred vision; constipation; cramping; dizziness; dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position; feeling of whirling motion; fever; headache; lightheadedness; mouth and stomach irritation; muscle spasm; nausea; redness; restlessness; ringing in the ears; seeing a yellow color; sensitivity to sunlight; vein inflammation.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; excessive urination; hearing loss; loss of appetite; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; sudden joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Furosemide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.