Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FUROSEMIDE - INJECTION

(fyou-ROW-seh-mide)

WARNING: This is a powerful fluid-reducing drug. 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.

Uses

Furosemide is a diuretic. Diuretics are referred to as "water pills" because they decrease the amount of water retained in the body by increasing urination. Diuretics are used to treat edema (fluid retention and swelling especially of the hands and feet caused by heart failure and other diseases) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or infused into a vein in persons unable to take oral medication. Use this as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed or stop using this without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to it. Rise slowly from a seated or lying position. It may also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Blurred vision, loss of appetite, itching, stomach upset, headache and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, pain, nausea or vomiting while taking this medication. It may be a sign of low blood potassium. Contact your doctor if you experience: dry mouth, thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, yellow eyes or skin, severe nausea or vomiting, ringing in ears. This medication increases urination. Expect this effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, gout, diabetes, pancreatitis, lupus, allergies (especially to sulfa drugs). A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Since furosemide is present in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Furosemide may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Alcohol may intensify side effects. Limit your alcohol intake.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking: blood thinner drugs (e.g., warfarin), lithium, aminoglycosides (e.g., kanamycin, neomycin, gentamicin), ginseng, large doses of salicylates (aspirin), sucralfate, ethacrynic acid or other diuretics, digoxin, diabetic medication, NSAIDS (arthritis drugs), cisplatin, blood pressure medication, probenecid, cyclosporine. Tell your doctor if you are taking any OTC medication to treat nasal congestion or to control appetite. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

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.

Notes

Make sure your doctor knows your complete medical history before taking any medicine. This drug can reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. Sometimes a potassium supplement will be prescribed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).