MedDataToolFurosemide is a medication used to treat conditions like swelling from heart failure, liver disease, and kidney problems, as well as high blood pressure. It works by helping your body get rid of extra water and salt through urine. You typically start with a dose of 20 to 80 mg taken as a single dose, which can be adjusted based on how you respond, with a maximum dose of up to 600 mg per day for severe cases. It's important to know that furosemide can cause serious electrolyte imbalances if taken in high amounts, so it should be monitored closely by a healthcare provider. Additionally, if you are taking other blood pressure medications, you may need to reduce their doses by at least half when starting furosemide to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure.
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Uses
- Edema from congestive heart failure.
- Edema from cirrhosis of the liver.
- Edema from renal disease.
- Hypertension in adults.
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Dosage
Adults usually start with 20 to 80 mg as a single dose.
If needed, the same dose can be given 6 to 8 hours later.
The dose may be increased by 20 or 40 mg after 6 to 8 hours if needed.
For hypertension, adults typically start with 80 mg, divided into 40 mg twice a day.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
nauseavomitingdiarrheaconstipationcrampingheadache
Serious
severe allergic reactionshearing losskidney problemsskin rashes
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Excessive doses can cause severe water and electrolyte loss.
- Start therapy in the hospital for patients with liver cirrhosis.
- Monitor closely for fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Risk of hearing loss with rapid injection or high doses.
- Use caution in elderly patients and those with kidney or liver issues.
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Drug interactions
- Aminoglycoside antibioticsincreased risk of hearing lossMonitor
- Ethacrynic acidrisk of ototoxicityCaution
- Lithiumincreased risk of toxicityMonitor
- NSAIDsmay reduce furosemide's effectivenessCaution
- Cisplatinrisk of kidney damage.Caution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).