This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA-approved Furosemide for hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema on May 28, 1999. Furosemide belongs to the medication class known as diuretics.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Furosemide acts by blocking the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water in the kidneys, mainly in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This inhibition increases urine production, eliminating excess fluid from the body and reducing fluid retention. Ultimately, this diuretic effect helps lower blood pressure.

Uses of undefined

Furosemide treats edema (excessive water accumulation) and high blood pressure. Edema can be caused by various underlying issues such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems. This helps the kidneys to remove excess water, which is not needed by the body. 

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Furosemide  Tablet 

Take the Furosemide tablet as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop. 

Furosemide  Injection

Furosemide will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in muscle or vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors. 

Furosemide Solution

Always take as instructed by your doctor. Furosemide should be taken orally. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on the disease condition and other factors. Do not overdose on the solution. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Furosemide should not be taken if you are allergic to Furosemide or other sulphonamide-related medicines or any of the ingredients in the medication. Also, do not consume if you have anuria, impaired kidney function or kidney failure, severe kidney damage, very low levels of potassium, sodium, or other electrolytes, dehydration, low blood pressure, take potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics, have liver cirrhosis or liver encephalopathy, suffer from Addison's disease, have digitalis poisoning, or if you are breastfeeding.

Precautions

Before starting the treatment with Furosemide, notify your doctor if you have hypovolaemia (low blood volume) or risk of low blood pressure, hypoproteinaemia (low levels of blood protein) due to kidney damage, liver congestion or other liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes or insulin use, advanced age or medications that lower blood pressure, prostate issues or difficulty in urinating, history of gout or abnormal blood condition, and upcoming blood or urine tests.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Furosemide are frequent urination, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, or low potassium levels. Serious side effects while taking Furosemide are severe allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, dermatitis, peeling skin), sensitivity to sunlight or sun lamps, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, fever, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Inflammation of blood vessels or kidney, blood clot. 

Word Of Advice

Patients with liver and kidney disease should take Furosemide cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the treatment until your physician advises. It is not suggested to double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Your physician will regularly conduct blood tests to monitor your electrolyte, mineral, and glucose levels in your blood. 

Do not breastfeed while taking Furosemide. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Bertram G. Katzung, Drugs Used in Heart Failure, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 212-227.
  2. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp, Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2017] [Accessed on  31st May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018823s044lbl.pdf
  3. Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on August 2020] [Accessed on 31st May 20231], *pil.108.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
  4. Elara Pharmaservices Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on October 2020] [Accessed on 31st May 2023], PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING (medicines.org.uk)
  5. AS KALCEKS  Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on July 2020] [Accessed on 13th Jul 2021], Furosemide_HGB_I_10_1.cdr (medicines.org.uk)
  6. Fresenius-kab USA LLC, Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Mar 2016] [Accessed on  31st May 2023], label (fda.gov)

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.