|
Chemical Name: FUROSEMIDE (fur-OH-se-mide)
This medicine is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, congestive
heart failure, and swelling due to excess body water. It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This drug is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of this
drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important you
be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very
thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if
you are taking anticoagulants, parenteral aminoglycosides, chloral hydrate,
cisplatin, digitoxin, digoxin, ginseng, or indomethacin. Inform your doctor of
any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking
this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. WHEN YOU FIRST START
TAKING THIS MEDICINE, it may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of
urination. If you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning to prevent
this medicine from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose,
take the last dose no later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature
in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF
THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are
allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests,
including blood electrolytes, kidney function, and blood glucose may be
performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR
AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. YOUR DOCTOR MAY
HAVE ALSO PRESCRIBED a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing
carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your
diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. DO NOT
DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you
know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness,
or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these
effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning.
Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or
weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid
exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to
this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for
a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this
medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your
baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check
blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your
diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or
lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, or nausea. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
if you experience diarrhea, muscle pain or cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite,
restlessness, dry mouth, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, or rapid
or irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth, dizziness,
excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps,
weakness, and weak or irregular heartbeat.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
|
