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Common Brand Names:
Delone, Detue, Lasix.
Warning: This drug is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
Uses: Furosemide is a diuretic. Diuretics are referred to as "water pills" because they decrease the amount of water retained in the body by increasing urination. Diuretics are used to treat edema (fluid retention and swelling especially of the hands and feet caused by heart failure and other diseases) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Directions: May take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. If this medication is taken in the late afternoon or evening, you may need to get up during the night to urinate. Consult with your doctor regarding your dosing schedule.
Side Effects: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to it. Rise slowly from a seated or lying position. It may also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Blurred vision, loss of appetite, itching, stomach upset, headache and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, pain, nausea or vomiting while taking this medication. It may be a sign of low blood potassium. Contact your doctor if you experience dry mouth, thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, yellow eyes or skin, severe nausea or vomiting, or ringing in ears. This medication increases urination. Expect this effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially of kidney problems, unusual decrease in urine output, liver disease, diabetes and of any drug allergies. This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. Furosemide may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Alcohol may intensify side effects. Limit your alcohol intake. Furosemide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been reported to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of "blood thinner" drugs such as warfarin, lithium, aminoglycosides (e.g., neomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin), large doses of salicylates (aspirin and aspirin-like drugs), sucralfate, ethacrynic acid or other diuretics ("water pills"), digoxin, diabetic medication, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), cisplatin, blood pressure medication, probenecid, cyclosporine, nasal decongestants and diet-control medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
If You Take Too Much: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth, dizziness, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, weakness, and weak or irregular heartbeat.
Notes:Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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