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This medication is known as a diuretic (like a "water pill"). It helps your body get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make. Getting rid of extra water decreases the strain on your heart and blood vessels, thereby lowering high blood pressure and reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This effect can also improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema). This injectable form of furosemide is used when the drug cannot be taken by mouth, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.This medication can also be used to decrease calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Furosemide
Uses
This medication is known as a diuretic (like a "water pill"). It helps your body get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make. Getting rid of extra water decreases the strain on your heart and blood vessels, thereby lowering high blood pressure and reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This effect can also improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema). This injectable form of furosemide is used when the drug cannot be taken by mouth, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.This medication can also be used to decrease calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests, blood mineral levels such as sodium/potassium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Discard any medication that has been frozen.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: a severe decrease in amount of urine, weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat.
How To Use
- This medication is injected into a muscle or slowly into a vein.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions since giving this medication too quickly may increase the risk of side effects (e.g., hearing loss).
- The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy.
- In children, doses greater than 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight are not recommended.
- Consult your pharmacist for directions on how to mix the solution.Before using this medication, check it visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This medication may lead to a loss of too much body water and minerals (dehydration).
- Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms: muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth, unusual increased thirst, nausea/vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking furosemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa medications; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (inability to make urine).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, untreated mineral balance (e.g., sodium, potassium).If you have diabetes, furosemide may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results.This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood.
- Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet.
- A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
- Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.Furosemide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, ethacrynic acid.If you are currently using either of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting furosemide.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), cisplatin, diabetes medications, digoxin, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, NSAIDs) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or swelling (edema).
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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