This medication is known as a diuretic (like a "water
pill"). It helps your body get rid of extra water by increasing the amount
of urine you make. Getting rid of extra water decreases the strain on your
heart and blood vessels, thereby lowering high blood pressure and reducing
your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This effect can
also improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema). This
injectable form of furosemide is used when the drug cannot be taken by
mouth, especially in patients with severe medical
conditions.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or
slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your
age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Children's dosage is
also based on weight.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home,
learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision,
loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may cause dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of
dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst,
muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or
confusion.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- fainting
- hearing loss
- ringing in the ears
- numbness/tingling of the arms/legs
- signs of liver problems (such as stomach/abdominal pain,
yellowing eyes/skin)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using furosemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- gout
- lupus
If you have diabetes, furosemide may make it harder to
control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and
share the results with your doctor.
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.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
Babies born early (premature infants) and children may
be more sensitive to certain effects of this drug, such as kidney
stones.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness and water/mineral loss.
During pregnancy, furosemide should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- desmopressin
- ethacrynic acid
- lithium
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products
you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold
products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as thyroid hormone levels), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: a
severe decrease in amount of urine, weakness, fast/irregular
heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood
mineral levels such as sodium/potassium) should be done while you are using
this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.