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Furosemide Side Effects

An Overview of Side Effects of Furosemide
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with furosemide (Lasix®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Furosemide Side Effects to Report
Some side effects with this drug are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.
These include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
- Signs of dehydration or low electrolytes, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Muscle pain or muscle cramps
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Decreased urination
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing problems
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Common Side Effects Furosemide has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. In these studies, some of the common furosemide side effects included: - Constipation or diarrhea
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Anemia
- Fever
- Sensitivity to the sun.
Final Thoughts You may experience some or none of the side effects explained in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the medication. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of furosemide, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Notes:
Dr. Nelson Crumfield
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(last edited June 12, 2010)
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