Furosemide

Name

Furosemide

Application

Furosemide is used for fluid retention (edema) in people with heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease or disorder such as nephritic syndrome. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Mode of Application

Use Furosemide strictly in accordance with the prescriptions of a physician.
Furosemide can be taken between meals.

Use Furosemide exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. If you are taking Furosemide without a prescription, take precautions on the label.

The Mechanism of Action

Furosemide - a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents the absorption of excess salt the body.

Missed Dose

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

Storage

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

Precautions

Do not use Furosemide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient of the drug;
• you have no urine output.

To know:

• Furosemide may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse when using the drug with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Furosemide with caution. Do not drive if you take it for the first time.
• Furosemide may cause loss of consciousness, alcohol, hot weather, or fever may contribute to these effects. To prevent them, the drug should be taken sitting or standing. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• In diabetes patients Furosemide can affect blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor.
• Blood pressure control is needed while taking furosemide.
• Your doctor may also prescribe additional source of potassium while taking furosemide. Consult your doctor before using salt substitute or other product that contains potassium.
• Under the influence of furosemide your skin may be exposed to the sun faster. Avoid sun, sunlamps, or tanning during the first dose. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing.
• Laboratory tests including complete blood count, can be performed using furosemide. These tests can be used to monitor your condition and identify side effects.
• 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 during pregnancy. Furosemide accumulates in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding while taking medication, consult a physician. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

See 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.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of these severe side effects occur:

• 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.

Additional Information

Furosemide can 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 get worse, see your doctor.