Furosemide

Furosemide, drug used to help the body remove excess fluid by increasing urine flow, also known as a diuretic. This is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease. It reduces water and salt in the body, relieving pressure on the circulatory system and various organs.

Furosemide must be prescribed by a doctor. Available in tablet and liquid form, it is usually taken twice a day in dosages starting at 20 to 80 mg. This is increased as needed to a maximum daily dosage of 600 mg. The drug may be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation.

Effectiveness is usually apparent after two to three weeks, although long-term treatment (months to years) is not uncommon with this drug. Potassium supplements or a potassium-rich diet is needed in some patients to prevent excess potassium loss.

Patients with liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, lupus erythematosus, or an allergy to sulfa drugs should use furosemide with caution. Its safety for use during pregnancy is not known, but it does appear in breast milk.

Children may take this drug, with dosage based on body weight.
Possible side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, headache, fever, dizziness, excessive thirst, skin rash, hives, impotence, ringing in the ears, light-sensitivity, or blurred vision. Furosemide may interact adversely with aspirin, barbiturates, narcotics, and other muscle-relaxing drugs.