$Unique_ID{BRK03165} $Pretitle{} $Title{furosemide} $Subject{Fumide Everett Lasix Hoechst-Roussel Diuretic water pill antihypertensive furosemide high blood pressure fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney disease elimination sodium water kidneys} $Volume{} $Log{ Lasix*0316501.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. furosemide ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Fumide (Everett) furosemide (various manufacturers) Lasix (Hoechst-Roussel) TYPE OF DRUG Diuretic (water pill) and antihypertensive INGREDIENT furosemide DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg) Oral solution (10 mg per ml, and 40 mg per 5 ml, with 0.02%, 0.2%, or 11.5% alcohol) STORAGE Furosemide tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. The oral solution should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. This medication should never be frozen. USES Furosemide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some medications. Furosemide reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of sodium and water through the kidneys. TREATMENT To decrease stomach irritation, you can take furosemide with a glass of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 p.m.--this will prevent you from having to get up during the night to urinate. This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition, as long as you continue to take it. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, nausea, sore mouth, stomach upset, vomiting, and weakness. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. This medication will cause an increase in the amount of urine or in your frequency of urination when you first begin to take it. It may also cause you to have an unusual feeling of tiredness. These effects should subside after several days. Furosemide can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is therefore important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. To avoid dizziness and light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about confusion, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, fainting, increased thirst, joint pains, loss of appetite, mood changes, muscle cramps, palpitations, rash, ringing in the ears, severe abdominal pain, sore throat, tingling in the fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Furosemide interacts with several other drugs. 1. It can increase the side effects of alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, cephalosporin antibiotics, chloral hydrate, cortisone-like steroids (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, amphotericin B, clofibrate, aspirin, and theophylline. 2. The effectiveness of antigout medications, insulin, and oral antidiabetic medications may be decreased by furosemide. 3. Phenytoin can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of furosemide. 4. Indomethacin can decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide. Before taking furosemide, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to diuretics, oral antidiabetic medicines, or sulfonamide antibiotics. * Tell your doctor if you now have, or if you have ever had, kidney disease or problems with urination; diabetes mellitus; gout; liver disease; asthma; pancreas disease; or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). * Furosemide can cause potassium loss. Signs of potassium loss include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Your doctor may want to have blood tests performed periodically in order to monitor your blood potassium levels. To help avoid potassium loss, take this medication with a glass of fresh or frozen orange juice or cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day. The use of a salt substitute also helps to prevent potassium loss. Do not change your diet, however, before discussing it with your doctor. Too much potassium may also be dangerous. * Before having any kind of surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking furosemide. * To avoid dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, get up from a sitting or lying position slowly; and avoid standing for long periods of time. You should also avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged exposure to hot weather. * While taking this medication, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness. * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control, or for cough, cold, asthma, allergy, or sinus problems, unless you first check with your doctor. * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Therefore, blood sugar should be monitored carefully with blood or urine tests when treatment with this medication is started. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug crosses the plaucenta. Although studies in humans have not been completed, adverse effects have been observed on the fetuses of animals who received large doses of this drug during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of furosemide pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.