How should this medicine be used?
Furosemide comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning or twice a day in the morning and afternoon. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take furosemide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Furosemide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take furosemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking furosemide without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking furosemide,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to furosemide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure, aspirin, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin), indomethacin (Indocin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for diabetes, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. If you also are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least 1 hour after taking furosemide.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking furosemide, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking furosemide.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Furosemide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions. They may include a daily exercise program and a low-sodium or low-salt diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Frequent urination may last for up to 6 hours after a dose and should decrease after you take furosemide for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* muscle cramps
* weakness
* dizziness
* confusion
* thirst
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* blurred vision
* headache
* restlessness
* constipation
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* fever
* sore throat
* ringing in the ears
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* loss of hearing
* severe rash with peeling skin
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* rapid, excessive weight loss
