Furosemide is prescribed for treating hypertension, fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome.
How to use Furosemide
Speak to your medical practitioner to know about accurate dosage instructions. Alternatively, check the medicine label for detailed instructions.
Furosemide may be taken with or without a meal.
If you take the medicine at the same time each day, it will help you to avoid missing any doses.
Do not change your dosage (increase or decrease it) or stop the dosage suddenly without consulting your medical practitioner.
Missed Dose
You must take the medicine regularly for it to be effective. Avoid missing any doses.
If you miss a dose, take one dose as soon as you remember about it. But if it is nearly time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose.
Do not take two doses together to compensate for the single missed dose. It may lead to an overdose.
Storage
Store it at room temperature that is 59 to 77 degrees F (15 and 25 Degrees). Keep it safely in a place that is out of reach of pets and kids.
You cannot use Furosemide if:
• You are allergic to any ingredient in it
• You are unable to urinate.
Speak to your doctor about:
• Your complete medical history
• Any allergic reactions that you may have to drugs, OTC medications, supplements or herbal formulations
• All medicines that you are currently using
• You have kidney disease
• You have enlarged prostate
• You have urination problems
• You have cirrhosis or other liver disease
• You have an electrolyte imbalance
• You have high cholesterol, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
• You have had an MRI (magnetic rsonance imaging) or any type of scan using a radioactive dye that is injected into your veins.
Important Information
Furosemide will cause loss of fluids and may make you prone to get dehydrated. Speak to your doctor about replenishing your fluids and salts.
Your blood, kidney or liver function may be tested periodically. Do not miss out on these tests.
Furosemide will cause you to sunburn easily and hence, you must use a sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) or wear protective clothing when you venture outdoors.
Use Furosemide for the complete course of treatment.
Pregnancy
Furosemide is in the FDA pregnancy category which means that it
Furosemide may cause harm to your unborn fetus if you are pregnant. Speak to your doctor about the potential risk involved.
Furosemide may be excreted through the breast milk and passed on to the fetus. Speak to your doctor about the potential risk involved.
Mild side effects may be commonly seen as you begin therapy with a new medication. These usually fade away by itself and do not require special medical care. However, if they become bothersome then contact your doctor.
The mild and common side effects associated with Furosemide are as follows:
• Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• Blurred vision; or
• Mild itching or rash.
Rarely, some drugs also cause severe side effects that require urgent medical treatment. The serious side effects associated with Furosemide are ringing in your ears, hearing loss;
feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; painful or difficult urination; pale skin, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, pain, muscle weakness; dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, uneven heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes; headache, trouble concentrating, weakness, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, shallow breathing or breathing that stops; or severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Please seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these severe side effects.
