CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15/CDRT.iso/dp/0316/03165.txt

Text File | 1994-01-17 | 7KB | 155 lines

$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
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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.

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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.