Common uses

Furosemide, a 'water pill,' is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems, including heart or liver disease. It is also used to treat high blood pressure. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using

Do not use Furosemide if you are unable to urinate.
Before using furosemide, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
gout;
lupus;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take furosemide.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Furosemide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Directions

Take Furosemide exactly as it was prescribed for you. 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.
Furosemide will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.
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.
Store Furosemide at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

Cautions

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking furosemide.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Furosemide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using furosemide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
fast or uneven heartbeat;
muscle pain or weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
hearing loss; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;
headache;
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
dizziness; or
blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, feeling light-headed, or fainting. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Additional information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and blood tests should be done occasionally.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Follow your doctor's directions. They may include a daily exercise program and a low-sodium or low-salt diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet.

Drug interactions

If you take sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 2 hours before or after you take furosemide.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
lithium;
digoxin (Lanoxin);
steroids (prednisone and others);
ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
diet pills or cold medicine;
other blood pressure medications;
amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi);
salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or
indomethacin.