FUROSEMIDE (fyoor OH se mide) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to reduce swelling related to heart, kidney, or liver disease. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diarrhea or vomiting
Gout
Heart disease
High or low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium, or sodium in your blood
Kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Certain antibiotics
Chloral hydrate
Cisplatin
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Diuretics
Laxatives
Lithium
Medications for blood pressure
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
Methotrexate
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
Phenytoin
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Sucralfate
Thyroid hormones
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
Hearing loss, ringing in ears
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.
This medication may increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Check with your care team. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
