Furosemide is an effective medication that may be used to treat a variety of conditions. As with any drug, it is important to understand how furosemide works and whether or not you are safe using this medication.
In general, furosemide (also known as fenoldopam) is safe to use when prescribed by your doctor and under their supervision. However, there are some potential side effects, interactions with other substances, and precautions to keep in mind.
Keep reading to learn more about furosemide and its usage for various medical conditions.
Table of Contents
What is Furosemide?
Furosemide is a diuretic (a “water pill”) that is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling due to illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease. It is also sometimes used to prevent kidney stones.
Furosemide is in a class of drugs called loop diuretics, which work by increasing the flow of urine and decreasing blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure and easing the symptoms of heart failure.
Why Is Furosemide Prescribed?
There are a number of reasons why a doctor may prescribe furosemide. These include:
- Treating high blood pressure – Furosemide is often used to treat high blood pressure. It works by decreasing blood pressure by increasing urination, which removes excess fluid from the body.
- Treating heart failure – Furosemide can help lower fluid build-up in the lungs and legs in patients with heart failure. Heart failure can occur when the heart is not able to pump enough blood throughout the body, often because of damage to the heart muscle.
- Treating swelling due to other medical conditions – Furosemide can be used to treat swelling in the lower legs or abdomen that is caused by conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Side Effects of Furosemide
In some people, furosemide may cause side effects, including but not limited to:
- Constipation – Drinking enough water, eating a high-fiber diet, and trying natural laxatives can help prevent constipation.
- Dizziness – If you experience dizziness when taking furosemide, try taking the medication with food, resting for a short period of time, or talking to your doctor about alternative treatments.
- Dry mouth – Brushing your teeth several times a day and using a water pick can help maintain dental hygiene.
- Headache – Drinking more water, getting more rest, and taking analgesic medications (e.g. paracetamol) can help prevent headaches.
Who Should Not Use Furosemide?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women – Furosemide is not safe to take when pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Patients with heart failure and low blood pressure – Furosemide may lower the blood pressure too much in patients with heart failure, which can be dangerous.
- Patients with kidney disease – Furosemide may cause the kidneys to work too hard, which can worsen the kidney disease.
- Patients with heart block – Furosemide may cause heart block, a disturbance in the electrical impulses of the heart.
- Patients with high levels of potassium in the blood – Furosemide may cause potassium levels to increase, which can be dangerous.
- Patients with low blood sugar levels – Furosemide may cause blood sugar levels to decrease, which can be dangerous.
How to Take Furosemide?
The dosage and duration of furosemide may vary depending on the condition being treated and your health history. Generally, the recommended dosage is 40 milligrams twice daily (80 milligrams daily).
- For treating high blood pressure – If you take furosemide to treat high blood pressure, it is important to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
- For treating heart failure – Heart failure patients should take furosemide twice daily and try to wait at least 12 hours between doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
- For treating swelling due to other medical conditions – Swelling due to conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease may be treated with furosemide once daily. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
What to do if you miss a dose of furosemide?
If you miss a dose of furosemide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
If you are on a long-term treatment with furosemide, missing a single dose is unlikely to cause any serious or lasting effects. If you miss several doses, you may notice a change in symptoms and may want to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage.
Summing up
Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to treat a variety of conditions. It works by increasing the flow of urine, which removes excess fluid from the body and lowers blood pressure. It is important to understand how furosemide works and whether or not you are safe using this medication.
In general, furosemide is safe to use when prescribed by your doctor and under their supervision. However, there are some potential side effects, interactions with other substances, and precautions to keep in mind.
Keep reading to learn more about furosemide, its usage for various medical conditions, and what to do if you miss a dose of furosemide.
