Author: Charles Frank

Furosemide: Uses, How to Take, Side Effects, Warnings

Talk with your doctor about all of your medications and health history. They can tell you if you have an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension. When you first start taking furosemide, be careful when changing positions until you become used to the drug’s effects. Your doctor will check your electrolyte levels and order other blood tests to see how furosemide is working for you. Furosemide can cause a blood pressure condition called orthostatic hypotension.

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. But, you shouldn’t stop taking furosemide on your own. Let them know if you have side effects or have other concerns. If needed, your doctor can recommend how to safely stop taking furosemide.

If you have diabetes, furosemide may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan for your condition that minimizes your risk for side effects. Similar to furosemide, both torsemide and bumetanide come as tablets you’ll take by mouth.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. If you take other drugs that affect your kidneys with furosemide, you may have more side effects, too. If you have serious kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose than usual of furosemide for you. Furosemide doesn’t cause hyperkalemia (high potassium level).

Your doctor can give you more information on foods to avoid for your condition. Ask your doctor for more information on the best diet for your condition. So it’s best to avoid these types of foods with furosemide. Examples of processed foods include potato chips, salted nuts, and lunch meat.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing. Some people may have an allergic reaction to furosemide oral tablets. Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that furosemide oral tablets can cause.

1. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy.
2. Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
3. But if you have fast weight loss while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
4. Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you.
5. Serious side effects from furosemide oral tablets can occur, but they aren’t common.

Also, do not apply any products such as lotions or creams in the area where the infusor is placed. Furoscix is not for chronic use and should be replaced with oral diuretics as soon as practical. Take furosemide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Tell your doctor if you have recently had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or any type of scan using a radioactive dye that is injected into your veins. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.

What happens if I miss a dose?

They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Like most drugs, furosemide oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that furosemide oral tablets may cause.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Furosemide belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics (also known as water pills). It works by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine. Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen.This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure.

When used to treat edema, furosemide may be taken daily or only on certain days of the week. When used to treat hypertension, take furosemide around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with furosemide oral tablets.

Follow your doctor’s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using furosemide. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.

And they can suggest alternate treatment options for your condition. Your doctor may start you taking a low dose of the drug to see how your body responds. Then, if you’re doing well with furosemide, your doctor may gradually increase your dose to get maximum benefits. Furosemide oral tablets meant for use by people don’t come in other strengths, such as 10 mg or 12.5 mg.