Lasix (Furosemide)

Furosemide tablet

What is this medicine?

FUROSEMIDE is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, and edema or swelling from heart, kidney or liver disease.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal blood electrolytes
• diarrhea or vomiting
• gout
• heart disease
• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You may take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass more urine after taking this medicine. Do not take your medicine at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain antibiotics given by injection
• diuretics
• heart medicines like digoxin, dofetilide, or nitroglycerin
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for high cholesterol like cholestyramine, clofibrate, or colestipol
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation like ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
• phenytoin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• sucralfate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blood in urine or stools
• dry mouth
• fever or chills
• hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle pain or weakness, cramps
• skin rash
• stomach upset, pain, or nausea
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting or diarrhea
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• loss of appetite
• unusual bleeding or bruising

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.