This medication is known as a diuretic (like a "water pill"). It helps your body get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make. Getting rid of extra water decreases the strain on your heart and blood vessels, thereby lowering high blood pressure and reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This effect can also improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema). This injectable form of furosemide is used when the drug cannot be taken by mouth, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication can also be used to decrease calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or slowly into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, doses greater than 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight are not recommended.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may lead to a loss of too much body water and minerals (dehydration). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms: muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth, unusual increased thirst, nausea/vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using furosemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (inability to make urine).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus.

If you have diabetes, furosemide may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results.

This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.

Furosemide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may affect milk production. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), cisplatin, cisapride, diabetes medications, digoxin, ethacrynic acid, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, NSAIDs) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or swelling (edema). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: a severe decrease in amount of urine, weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests, blood mineral levels such as sodium/potassium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Not applicable.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised November 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.