Furosemide Information

Furosemide is used to treat swelling and excess fluid caused by kidney disease, congestive heart failure or liver cirrhosis. When combined with other medications, furosemide may also be used to treat fluid buildup in the lungs. Furosemide is a loop diuretic which force the kidneys to eliminate greater amounts of water and electrolytes such as potassium salts and sodium than normal. These kinds of diuretics are effective for treating salt and water-retention-related problems such as swelling and edema.

You should not take furosemide if you are unable to urinate or if you are allergic to the drug or any sulfonamides. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking the drug:

• Allergic to certain foods, substances or medicines
• Hearing impairment
• Liver disease
• Blood disorder
• Lupus
• Previous heart attack
• Pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant during treatment
• Dehydrated
• Low urine output
• High blood uric acid levels
• Fluid in your abdomen
• Diabetes mellitus
• Taking any dietary supplements, herbal preparations or prescription/ nonprescription medicines

Certain medications will interact with furosemide so consult with your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Lithium or Digoxin because of the risk of increased side effects
• Chloral hydrate because side effects such as changes in blood pressure, excess sweating or a rapid heartbeat may occur
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril
• Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), ethacrynic acid, or salicylates because serious side effects such as hearing loss or decreased ability to urinate may occur
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin and ibuprofen because they may decrease the effectiveness of furosemide

You should ask your doctor if any other medicines may interact with furosemide because the above list is not complete. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you change the dose, stop or start any new medication while taking furosemide.

Always take furosemide as prescribed; the label will explain the exact dosing instructions. Furosemide is generally administered as an injection at a clinic, hospital or doctor’s office. A health care provider will show you how to use the drug if you will be taking it at home. Follow the exact procedures when you take dose and contact a health care provider if you have questions. Never take furosemide if it is discolored, cloudy or contains particles or the vial has been damaged or cracked. Always keep this product, as well as any needles or syringes out of the reach of pets and children, and never reuse needles. Ask your doctor how to properly dispose of any of these materials.

You may need to urinate more often or produce more urine when you begin taking furosemide. Therefore, try to take your dose before 6 pm. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next scheduled dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses of the medication at the same time.

Furosemide may cause dizziness and the effects can worsen when taking certain medications or alcohol. Therefore, you should not perform any dangerous tasks or drive until you know how you will be affected. Exercise, fever, alcohol and hot weather may increase the possibility of lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness. Make sure to stand or sit up slowly in the morning, and lie or sit down as soon as you begin experiencing any of these symptoms.

Furosemide may also affect your blood sugar so make sure your doctor regularly monitors your levels if you are diabetic. You should also monitor your blood pressure closely when taking furosemide. Consult with your doctor before taking any product containing potassium or a salt substitute; your doctor may end up prescribing a potassium supplement during treatment.

Furosemide can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and cause sunburns. Therefore, you should avoid sunlamps, tanning booths and the sun. make sure to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you must be exposed to sunlight while taking the drug. Your doctor may schedule you for lab tests such as a complete blood cell count to monitor for possible side effects.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult with your doctor before taking furosemide. You need to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the medication because furosemide is found in breast milk.

Although any medication may cause possible side effects, many individuals experience minor or no side effects. Consult with your doctor if any of the following common side effects become bothersome or persistent:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Bladder or muscle spasms
• Blurred vision
• Abnormal skin sensations
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Cramping or constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Stomach or mouth irritation
• Redness
• Seeing a yellow color
• Vein inflammation
• Ringing in the ears
• Restlessness
• Feeling of a whirling motion
• Dizziness when rising from a lying or seated position

You should consult immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following severe side effects while taking furosemide:

• Drowsiness
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Vomiting
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Sudden joint pain
• Unusual thirst
• Hearing loss
• Restlessness
• Muscle cramps, weakness or pain
• Excessive urination
• Confusion
• Severe allergic reactions such as a swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or face, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, rash or tightness in the chest

What is the shelf life of the pills?

The expiry date is listed on each blister. The date will vary depending on the particular batch. The shelf life is 2 years from the manufacturing date and varies depending on when the pills were manufactured.