Furosemide injection

July 17, 2018

Furosemide injection

What is this medicine?

FUROSEMIDE (fyoor OH se mide) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, and edema or swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or a vein. It is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • blood in urine or stools

  • dry mouth

  • fever or chills

  • hearing loss or ringing in the ears

  • irregular heartbeat

  • muscle pain or weakness, cramps

  • stomach upset, pain, or nausea

  • tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting or diarrhea

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

What may interact with this medicine?

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

  • certain antibiotics

  • chloral hydrate

  • cisplatin

  • cyclosporine

  • digoxin

  • diuretics

  • laxatives

  • lithium

  • medicines for blood pressure

  • medicines that relax muscles for surgery

  • methotrexate

  • NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation like ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin

  • phenytoin

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • sucralfate

  • thyroid hormones

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • abnormal blood electrolytes

  • diarrhea or vomiting

  • gout

  • heart disease

  • kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine

  • liver disease

  • premature newborn

  • thyroid disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You will be monitored closely while you are on this medicine. This medicine can increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. If you are a diabetic your sugar will need to be checked.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018