Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: FUROSEMIDE - INJECTION (fyou-ROW-seh-mide)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This is a powerful fluid-reducing drug. 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. See also Side Effects section

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).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle or infused into a vein in persons unable to take oral medication. Use this as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed or stop using this without first consulting your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, doses greater than 6 mg per kilogram of body weight are not recommended.

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, ringing in ears. This medication increases urination. Expect this effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.