INDICATIONS
Furosemide is used for treating fluid build-up and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat fluid build-up in the lungs. Furosemide is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) is a problem.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use Furosemide as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
- Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
- Take Furosemide by mouth with or without food.
- To be sure Furosemide is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
- If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
- Furosemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
- If you miss a dose of Furosemide, take 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 take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Furosemide.
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.
Do NOT use Furosemide if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Furosemide
- you are unable to urinate.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Furosemide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing impairment, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, or lupus; you have had a heart attack; or you are dehydrated.
Some medicines may interact with Furosemide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because they may decrease Furosemide's effectiveness
- Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), ethacrynic acid, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) and ears (hearing loss) may occur
- Chloral hydrate because side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, and changes in blood pressure, may occur
- Digoxin or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Furosemide.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Furosemide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- 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 possible 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.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, 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.
Seek medical attention right away 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.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
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