Furosemide

Generic Name : Furosemide

Pronunciation : (fur oh' se mide)

TradeName : Diucontin-K, Frusenex, Lasix, Salinex

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Furosemide, a water pill, causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. It is used to treat high blood pressure and the swelling and water retention caused by various medical problems, including heart diseases.

When it is to be taken : 
1. Furosemide is usually taken once or twice a day.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
3. If you are to take it once a day, take it in the morning.
4. Take a second dose, if prescribed, in the late afternoon to avoid going to the bathroom during the night.
5. Furosemide begins to work about 30 minutes after it is taken and goes on working for six to eight hours.

How it should be taken : 
1. Furosemide comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3. Furosemide must be taken regularly, especially to control high blood pressure.

Special Instruction : 

1. keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and blood tests may be done occassionally.
2. Do not stop taking furosemide, even if you feel well, without consulting your doctor.
3. Weigh yourself atleast once a day or once every other day. If you lose weight rapidly, contact your doctor immediately.
4. Do not start smoking while taking furosemide. Smoking can decrease its effectiveness.
5. Follow your doctor's dietary recommendations. These recommendations may include a low-sodium or low-salt diet, potassium supplements,and high-potassium foods in your diet.

Side Effects : 

1. Frequent urination. This problem may last for up to eight hours after a dose.
2. Muscle cramps or weakness, thirst. Be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if prescribed. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist.
3. Dizziness, lightheadedness. Try rising slowly from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.
4. Blurred vision, confusion, headache, increased perspiration, restlessness. If these effects are bothersome or get worse, contact your doctor.
5. Fever, sore throat, ringing in the ears, unusual bleeding or bruising, rapid and excessive weight loss. Contact your doctor immediately.
6. Skin rash. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions : 

1. If you ever had a bad reaction to furosemide or a sulfa drug, tell your doctor before taking furosemide.
2. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver problems.
3.If you ae pregnant or if you get pregnant while taking furosemide, tell your doctor.
4. Do not breeastfeed while taking this medication.
5. Some drugs may affect the way furosemide works or increase the side effects.
6. Tell your doctor what medications you are taking, especially diabetes medications, aspirin, indomethacin, lithium and steroids.
7. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about yoru blood pressure medications.
8. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : 
Keep this medication in the container it came in, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children. Store liquid furosemide in the refrigerator.