Health Library

Furosemide (By mouth)

Furosemide (fure-OH-se-mide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Lasix

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how furosemide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Cisplatin, cyclosporine, digoxin, ethacrynic acid, licorice, lithium, methotrexate, or phenytoin
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  • Laxative
  • Medicine to treat an infection
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen)
  • Other blood pressure medicines
  • Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)
  • Thyroid medicine
• If you also take sucralfate, allow at least 2 hours between the time you take furosemide and the time you take sucralfate.
• Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, gout, low blood pressure, lupus, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, or an allergy to sulfa drugs. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low levels of minerals in your blood, such as potassium and sodium
  • Blood sugar level changes
  • Hearing problems
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Severe diarrhea
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite, stomach cramps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024