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.
