This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Furosemide Consumer Information
FUROSEMIDE
Generic Name: furosemide (fur OH seh mide)
Brand Names: Lasix, Lo-Aqua
What is the most important information I should know about furosemide?
- To reduce nighttime urination, take furosemide early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Promptly report any muscle weakness or cramps to your doctor.
What is furosemide?
- Furosemide is in a class of drugs called loop diuretics (water pills). It decreases the amount of fluid in the body by increasing the amount of salt and water lost in the urine.
- Furosemide is used to reduce swelling in the body caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Furosemide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking furosemide?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- an allergy to sulfa medicines such as sulfa-based antibiotics,
- kidney disease,
- liver disease,
- diabetes mellitus,
- gout, or
- systemic lupus erythematosus.
- You may not be able to take furosemide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Furosemide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether furosemide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take furosemide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Furosemide passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take furosemide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take furosemide?
- Take furosemide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- To reduce nighttime urination, take furosemide early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- It is important to take furosemide regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking furosemide suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
- Store furosemide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember within 12 hours. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
- If you take more than one dose daily, take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a furosemide overdose include weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, confusion, irregular pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking furosemide?
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the side effects of furosemide.
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