Furosemide injection
What is furosemide injection?
FUROSEMIDE (Lasix®) is a diuretic. Diuretics
increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and
salt. Furosemide helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a
cure. It also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various
medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic furosemide
injection is available.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•diarrhea
•gout
•hearing problems
•heart disease, or previous heart attack
•kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
•liver disease
•low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium
•pancreatitis
•premature birth (newborns)
•systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
•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?
Furosemide is for injection into a muscle or a vein. It is given by a
health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with
furosemide?
•alcohol
•antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as
ibuprofen)
•certain antibiotics given by injection
•cholestyramine
•cisplatin
•clofibrate
•colestipol
•dofetilide
•heart medicines such as digoxin
•hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone,
or hydrocortisone
•lithium
•medicines for diabetes
•medicine for high blood pressure
•medicines that relax muscles for surgery
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
•nitroglycerin
•phenytoin
•water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you
are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or
herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you
are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you
use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with
your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice
from receiving furosemide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
•blood in urine or stools
•diarrhea
•dry mouth
•fever or chills, sore throat
•hearing loss or ringing in the ears
•increased thirst
•irregular heartbeat
•lower back or side pain
•mood changes
•muscle pain or weakness, cramps
•nausea, vomiting
•severe stomach pain
•skin rash
•tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•headache
•increased sensitivity to the sun
•loss of appetite
•stomach upset, pain, or cramps
What should I watch for while taking furosemide?
You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything
that needs mental alertness until you know how furosemide affects you. To
reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly,
especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy
and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.
Furosemide can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep
out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at
least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Furosemide can increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. If you are a
diabetic keep a close check on blood and urine sugar.
