Furosemide is a loop diuretic. The active ingredient is dispensed as oral tablets (20mg, 40mg and 80mg) and an oral solution.

Drug Uses

Furosemide is used to treat fluid retention that often occurs in patients with liver or kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. The excess fluid is eliminated from the body by urination. Furosemide also prevents the body from absorbing excessive amounts of salt.

Furosemide is used to treat other medical conditions not listed in this information guide.

Dose

Furosemide must always be used as directed. Do not make adjustments to the dose before speaking to a doctor.

If using the oral solution ensure that each dose is measured using a proper medical measuring device to ensure that the correct dosage is dispensed.

Missed Dose

Furosemide is sometimes taken when required so this will not apply. If, however, your are on a scheduled dosage and you miss a dose, it may be taken when you remember. However, do not take the missed dose near the time of the next scheduled dose. In this case, ignore the missed dose. Never double-up on a dose.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Furosemide if you are allergic to furosemide.

Tell your doctor if you suffer with any of the following: gout, diabetes, lupus, liver or kidney disease, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

While using Furosemide you will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect. Your doctor may also wish to regularly check that your liver and kidneys are functioning correctly.

Furosemide is likely to cause increased urination, so ensure that you do not get dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor about eating foods with a high content of potassium, or taking potassium supplements.

If you are using Furosemide to treat high blood pressure, do not stop taking this medication even if you are feeling fine. There are often no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure.

It is not known if Furosemide is harmful to an unborn fetus, so pregnant women should use this drug with caution. Women who are breast-feeding should also use Furosemide with caution as this drug passes into breast milk.

Before using Furosemide, you must give your doctor full details of your medical history and other medications that you use. These include herbal medicines and vitamin supplements. Furosemide can react badly with some medications.

Possible Side-effects

Get emergency help if any of the following symptoms of allergy occur: hives, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following side-effects occur: nausea or vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, thirst, restlessness, lightheadedness, fast or irregular heartbeat, decreased urination, muscle pain, easy bleeding or bruising, skin rash (with peeling or blistering), stomach pain, lack of appetite, low fever, clay-colored stools, dark urine, or jaundice.

Less serious side-effects may include stomach pain, headache, diarrhea or constipation, numbness, dizziness, vision problems, or burning or tingling sensation.

Contact your doctor if any uncomfortable symptoms occur, or persist.

Overdose

Call for emergency help immediately. Symptoms of overdose can include lack of appetite, weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion, or fainting.

Storage instructions

Furosemide must be kept away from children and stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture.