FurosemideIndications
- Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body caused by conditions like heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
- It alleviates symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in the arms, legs, and abdomen.
- The drug is also used to treat high blood pressure, preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- Furosemide is a diuretic or “water pill” that increases urine production, aiding the elimination of excess water and salt from the body.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting furosemide and each refill; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Take the medication by mouth as directed by the doctor, with or without food, usually once or twice daily.
- Avoid taking it within 4 hours of bedtime to prevent nighttime urination.
- Dosage is based on medical condition, age, and response to treatment; for children, it’s also based on weight.
- Older adults often start with a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects; do not increase the dose or take it more often than directed.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
- Continue taking it even if feeling well; many people with high blood pressure may not feel sick.
- Certain drugs like sucralfate, cholestyramine, and colestipol can decrease furosemide absorption; if taking them, separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Inform the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens, such as persistent high or increasing blood pressure readings.
Side effects
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or blurred vision may occur initially; inform the doctor if these persist or worsen.
- To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Medication prescribed due to the doctor’s judgment of greater benefit than the risk of side effects; many users don’t experience serious side effects.
- Possible dehydration and electrolyte imbalance; notify the doctor if experiencing muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
- Report serious side effects promptly, including signs of kidney problems, numbness/tingling/pain/swelling of arms/legs, hearing changes, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.
- Rare but serious allergic reactions may occur; seek medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; contact the doctor or pharmacist for other observed effects.
Precautions
- Before taking furosemide, inform the doctor or pharmacist about allergies and discuss inactive ingredients.
- Provide medical history, especially regarding kidney/liver problems, urine production issues, gout, and lupus.
- For diabetes patients, monitor blood sugar regularly, as furosemide may affect control. Discuss results with the doctor.
- Furosemide may lower potassium levels; follow doctor’s advice on potassium-rich foods or supplements.
- Sensitivity to sunlight may increase; limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and protective clothing. Report sunburn or skin issues to the doctor.
- Dizziness or blurred vision may occur; avoid activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol/marijuana use, and discuss cannabis use with the doctor.
- Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration; report prolonged instances to the doctor and follow fluid intake instructions.
- Inform healthcare providers about product use before surgery, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
- Premature infants and children may be more sensitive to certain effects like kidney stones.
- Older adults, especially prone to dizziness and fluid/electrolyte loss, should be cautious.
- During pregnancy, use only when necessary; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- Furosemide passes into breast milk, potentially affecting milk production; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
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