Furosemide

Drug Uses

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is used to treat fluid buildup and swelling caused by conditions like congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It may also be used for other conditions like treating fluid buildup in the lungs.

How it is taken

Furosemide must be taken by mouth with a meal to prevent an upset stomach. It may cause an increase in the frequency of urination and you must take your last dose before 6pm to prevent it from disturbing your sleep.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Furosemide, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Some of the symptoms of a Furosemide overdose are- dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle pain or cramps, thirst, dry mouth, unusual tiredness, racing heartbeat, excessive urination, restlessness, muscle tiredness, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting), low blood pressure. You must seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing impairment, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, have had a heart attack, or are dehydrated.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are unable to urinate.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Furosemide and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Furosemide is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Furosemide and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Furosemide may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests including blood sugar levels and complete blood cell counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are abnormal skin sensations, bladder spasm, blurred vision, constipation, cramping, dizziness, dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position, feeling of whirling motion, fever, headache, lightheadedness, mouth and stomach irritation, muscle spasm, nausea, redness, restlessness, seeing a yellow color, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sunlight, vein inflammation. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination, hearing loss, loss of appetite, muscle pain/cramps/weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, sudden joint pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.