Furosemide (Injection)

Furosemide (fyoor-OH-se-mide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, or other medical conditions. This medicine is a diuretic.

Brand Name(s):

Furomide M.D.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to furosemide, or if you have kidney or liver problems, if you are dehydrated, or if you have recently lost a large amount of blood.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using bepridil (Vascor®), blood thinners (Coumadin®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin®), lithium, or other diuretics (such as bumetanide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®, Zestoretic®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or pancreatitis.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
• Fever chills, cough, pain in side or lower back
• Hearing loss, or ringing in the ears
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
• Skin rash or hives
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.