Furosemide

How it works

     * Furosemide significantly increases urination by inhibiting the
       reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the cells of the kidneys. It
       may be used to treat excessive fluid retention.
     * Furosemide belongs to the class of medicines known as loop
       diuretics. It is a potent loop diuretic.

Upsides

     * Used to relieve the body of excess fluid caused by heart failure,
       kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver and other conditions.
     * May be used in addition to other medicines for the treatment of
       high blood pressure.
     * Available as an injectable form.
     * Generic furosemide is available.

Downsides

   If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or
   have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to
   experience include:
     * Dizziness on standing, gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in
       blood counts, and alterations in cholesterol levels or liver
       function.
     * Furosemide's effect is very strong. Use can lead to a significant
       depletion of electrolytes which may lead to side effects such as
       muscle cramps and an irregular heart beat; risk is greater in
       people with a restricted salt intake or on certain medications.
     * Tinnitus and reversible or irreversible hearing impairment have
       been reported. The risk is greater with higher dosages, injectable
       furosemide, severe renal impairment, low protein levels, and
       concomitant therapy with other drugs that are also toxic to the
       ears.
     * May increase blood glucose levels and affect laboratory test
       results.
     * Older people may not respond as well to the initial diuretic effect
       of furosemide.
     * May not be suitable for some people including those with cirrhosis
       of the liver or ascites, kidney disease, already electrolyte
       depleted or dehydrated.
     * May interact with a number of other drugs including those that also
       lower blood pressure or potassium, lithium, corticosteroids,
       digoxin, phenytoin and methotrexate.

   Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical
   conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes,
   seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of
   developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all
   side effects, [84]click here.

Bottom Line

   Furosemide significantly increases urination which relieves excess
   fluid, but its use may also lead to the depletion of certain
   electrolytes in the body (such as potassium).

Tips

     * Dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual; higher
       dosages need extra monitoring by a doctor. Some individuals may
       only need furosemide two to four times per week.
     * You may be more sensitive to sunlight while taking furosemide; use
       an SPF 30-50+ sunblock when outside.
     * Tell your doctor if you develop diarrhea or vomiting while taking
       furosemide.
     * Get up slowly when going from a lying down or sitting position to
       standing.
     * Your electrolyte levels will need monitoring regularly including
       occasional testing for diabetes.
     * Potassium supplements or extra dietary potassium may be needed to
       counteract the effects of low potassium caused by furosemide.
     * If you have diabetes, be aware that furosemide may increase your
       blood glucose levels.

Response and Effectiveness

     * The onset of diuresis (increased urination) is within an hour. The
       peak effects of furosemide are seen within one to two hours and its
       effects last for 6 to 8 hours.
     * Furosemide is very potent. Excessive amounts can lead to profound
       urination and water and electrolyte loss. Severe dehydration may
       result.