Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Furosemide is a potent diuretic(water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of salt andfluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output(diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water andelectrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessaryduring treatment.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 20mg, 40mg, 80mg. Oral solution: 10mg/ml.

STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a lightresistant container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Furosemide is a powerful diuretic. Furosemideis used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of thebody caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, andnephrotic syndrome. It is sometimes used in conjunction with other bloodpressure pills to treat high blood pressure.

PRECAUTIONS: Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic tofurosemide because of a similarity in the chemical structure of themedications. Furosemide should be avoided in kidney failure. Even thoughfurosemide is important in treating excess fluid accumulation in patientswith cirrhosis, sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes in these patientscan worsen kidney function and even cause the patient to go into a coma.Furosemide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, and magnesiumlevels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heart rhythmabnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin).Please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further information.

Blood uric acid levels can increase during furosemide treatment, butprecipitation of acute gout is rare. Furosemide may increase the toxiceffect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the ear, especially in patientswith kidney dysfunction. Furosemide reduces the kidney excretion oflithium and can lead to lithium toxicity. Furosemide may impair kidneyfunction when administered together with aspirin or other nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Periodic blood tests are performed tomonitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatment with furosemide.

SIDE EFFECTS: Commonly observed side effects are low bloodpressure, and water and electrolyte depletion. Less common side effectsinclude jaundice, ringing in ears (tinnitus), light sensitivity, rash,pancreatitis, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and other blooddisorders.