Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill). It works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules which causes a profound increase in urine output. The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.

Most common side effects are low blood pressure, and water and electrolyte depletion. While the less common side effects include jaundice, ringing in ears (tinnitus), light sensitivity, rash, pancreatitis, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and other blood disorders.

If you exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms due to overdose of Furosemide are dry mouth, excessive thirst, low blood pressure, muscle pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting, weak or irregular heartbeat, weakness or drowsiness.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Furosemide is a powerful diuretic. It is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and nephrotic syndrome. At times it is used in conjunction with other blood pressure pills to treat high blood pressure.

During furosemide treatment, blood uric acid levels can increase, but precipitation of acute gout is rare. Blood uric acid levels can increase during furosemide treatment, but precipitation of acute gout is rare. It may increase the toxic effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the ear, especially in patients with kidney dysfunction. It also reduces the kidney excretion of lithium and can lead to information. Furosemide may impair kidney function when administered together with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Periodic blood tests are performed to monitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatment with furosemide.
Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to furosemide because of a similarity in the chemical structure of the medications. Furosemide should be avoided in kidney failure. Even though furosemide is important in treating excess fluid accumulation in patients with cirrhosis, sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes in these patients can worsen kidney function and even cause the patient to go into a coma. Furosemide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further Furosemide or diuretics, or if you are unable to urinate, you should not take Furosemide.