General Information and Indications:
Furosemide, a 'water pill,' is used to
reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems,
including heart or liver disease. It is also used to treat high blood
pressure. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from
the body into the urine.
This drug is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details.
Information For Users:
Furosemide comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once a day in the morning or twice a day in the morning
and afternoon. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your
doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take furosemide exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your health care provider.
Furosemide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue
taking furosemide even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
furosemide without informing your doctor.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to furosemide, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood
pressure, aspirin, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin),
indomethacin (Indocin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for
diabetes, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. If you also are taking
cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least 1 hour after taking
furosemide.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding diabetes, gout, or kidney or
liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you become
pregnant while taking furosemide, call your doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking furosemide.
o plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Furosemide may make your
skin sensitive to sunlight.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Frequent urination may last for up to 6 hours
after a dose and should decrease after you take furosemide for a few weeks.
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o muscle cramps
o weakness
o dizziness
o confusion
o thirst
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o headache
o restlessness
o constipation
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o fever
o sore throat
o ringing in the ears
o unusual bruising or bleeding
o loss of hearing
o severe rash with peeling skin
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o rapid severe weight loss
Brand Name(s):
o Lasix®
|
