Furosemide
Generic Name:
Furosemide
Brand Names:
Furix, Lasix, Nicorol, Urex, and many others
Furosemide Description:
Furosemide is a loop-acting diuretic (loop diuretic), or water pill, that helps to flush excess salt and water from the body through urination. Loop diuretics are considered one of the strongest types of diuretics. The medication is frequently used in the treatment of various conditions involving fluid retention (edema), such as high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or congenital heart defects.
Furosemide Side Effects:
Serious side effects of furosemide include:
- Fever
- Loss of hearing
- Rapid weight loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Severe rash with peeling skin
- Sore throat
For more information, see our furosemide side effects page.
Furosemide Uses:
Furosemide helps the kidneys to pass excess salt and fluid from the body to prevent the buildup of fluid in the lungs, ankles, and legs. The medication is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat fluid retention in people with high blood pressure, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder such as nephritic syndrome.
Furosemide Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with furosemide, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with furosemide, as interactions may occur:
- Amikacin (Amikin)
- Antibiotics
- Aspirin and other salicylates
- Blood pressure medications
- Cough or cold medicines
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- Gentamicin (Garamycin)
- Indomethacin
- Lithium
- Netilmicin (Netromycin)
- Other diuretics or diet pills
- Steroid medications
- Streptomycin
- Tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi)
Furosemide Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Furosemide is typically prescribed as a tablet or liquid to be taken once or twice a day. For the treatment of high blood pressure, generally 40 mg of furosemide is taken twice a day. For the treatment of edema, 20 to 80 mg is taken once a day. Doses should not be given less than 6 hours apart.
Missing a Dose of Furosemide
Furosemide is sometimes only used on an as-needed basis. If your doctor recommends a dosing schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Furosemide Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Signs of overdose include loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fainting, lightheadedness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Furosemide FDA Approval:
July 1, 1966
Furosemide Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is a bolded warning on furosemides and other diuretics to warn consumers that potent diuretics, when given in excessive amounts, can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte depletion. The dosing schedule must be adjusted to each patient’s condition, and medical supervision is required.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
