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Brand Names: Lasix
Common Name: furosemide
What is this drug used for?
Furosemide belongs to the class of medications called diuretics. Diuretics like furosemide are used for the treatment of edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive heart failure and disorders of the liver, kidney, and lung. It is also used to control high blood pressure. Furosemide works by increasing the amount of urine produced and excreted and by removing excessive water (edema).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
This medication should not be taken by:
- anyone who is allergic to furosemide or any ingredients of the medication
- anyone with complete kidney shutdown
- anyone with hepatic coma or precoma
- anyone with extremely low blood levels of sodium or potassium
- anyone who is suffering from dehydration
- anyone with low blood pressure
- jaundiced (yellowing of skin and eye pigments) newborn infants
- infants suffering from certain diseases (e.g., Rh incompatibility, familial non-hemolytic jaundice)
What about possible side effects?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or become bothersome.
More common:
- dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
Less common or rare:
- blurred vision
- diarrhea
- headache
- increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
- loss of appetite
- stomach cramps or pain
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare:
- black, tarry stools
- blood in urine or stools
- cough or hoarseness
- fever or chills
- joint pain
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- pinpoint-sized red spots on skin
- ringing or buzzing in ears or any loss of hearing
- skin rash or hives
- stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellow eyes or skin
- yellow vision
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
The following medications may affect the way that furosemide works or increase the risk of side effects:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, fosinopril)
- carbenoxolone
- cholestyramine
- cisapride
- cisplatin
- colestipol
- corticosteroids
- digoxin
- ethacrynic acid
- laxatives
- medications that reduce blood pressure
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- phenytoin
- sucralfate
Furosemide may affect the way the following medications work or increase risk of side effects:
- diabetes medications
- lithium
- salicylates
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than the ones listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.
Dehydration: Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill) which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to large amounts of urination resulting in dehydration.
Diabetes: Furosemide may result in a reduction of blood sugar control for people with diabetes. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of your diabetes medication. Your blood glucose should be checked at regular intervals.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: During long-term treatment with furosemide, a high-potassium diet is recommended. You may also require potassium supplements. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels through occasional lab tests.
Gout: Increases in the blood level of uric acid can occur and, in rare cases, gout may be brought on by taking furosemide.
Sulfa drugs: Since furosemide is a sulfonamide derivative, it should be used with caution by anyone allergic to sulfa drugs.
Pregnancy: The effect of taking furosemide during pregnancy is unknown. It should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Breast-feeding: Furosemide passes into breast milk and may also partially reduce the amount of breast milk produced. Breast-feeding is not recommended for women taking furosemide.
Special Instructions:
The recommended adult dose of furosemide ranges from 20 mg to 200 mg daily depending on circumstances and the condition being treated. For children, the dose of furosemide used is based on body weight.
Furosemide is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. Results are seen usually within 1 hour and maximum results are seen within the first 2 hours. The diuretic effect may last 6 to 8 hours.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
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