What is furosemide? 

Furosemide  is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing  the salt to instead be passed in your urine. 

Furosemide treats  fluid retention in people with congestive  heart failure, liver disease,  or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication  is also used to treat high blood pressure.

Furosemide may also be used for other purposes not listed. 

Important information about furosemide? 

Do not use  Furosemide if you are unable  to urinate. 

Before using Furosemide, tell  your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes,  or an allergy  to sulfa drugs. 

To be sure this medication is  not causing harmful effects; your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.  Do not miss any scheduled appointments. 

Furosemide will make you urinate  more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow  your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet. 

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking furosemide. 

If you are being treated for  high blood pressure, keep using Furosemide  even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. 

Before  taking furosemide

Do not use Furosemide if you are unable  to urinate. 

Before using furosemide, tell  your doctor if you have: 

• kidney disease; 
• liver disease; 
• gout; 
• lupus; 
• diabetes;  or
• an allergy  to sulfa drugs. 

If you have any  of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take furosemide. 

FDA pregnancy category C. It  is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking furosemide, tell  your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Furosemide can pass into breast milk  and may harm a nursing baby.  Do not use this medication without telling  your doctor if  you are breast-feeding a baby. 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited June 12, 2010)