Furosemide: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Furosemide is a prescription 'water tablet' that removes extra fluid from the body. It is used for swelling caused by heart failure, kidney disease or severe liver disease, and sometimes for high blood pressure. It makes you pass more urine. Dehydration and low blood salts need watching, and it should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Furosemide tablet, Frusemide, Furosemide 20 mg, Furosemide 40 mg, Lasix, Water tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Furosemide work?
Furosemide acts on the loop of Henle, a part of the kidney tubule, and stops salt being taken back into the body. Water follows the salt, so more urine is made and extra fluid in the body falls.
How to take Furosemide
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Furosemide is often taken once a day in the morning, with or without food. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Furosemide
Most people take furosemide without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Needing to pass urine more often
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle twitches or cramps
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, strong thirst, dark urine, passing little urine, dizziness, confusion
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Blistering skin with flu-like symptoms. Get medical help immediately
- Passing much less urine, or other signs of kidney problems
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking furosemide, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to furosemide or any ingredient of the tablet
- Being unable to pass urine
- Severe dehydration or very low blood salts
- Kidney or liver problems
- Diabetes, gout or Addison's disease
- Low blood pressure
- A past allergic reaction to furosemide or another diuretic
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not usually used; talk to your doctor
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or fever: dehydration risk; ask your doctor what to do
Medicines and things that interact with Furosemide
Furosemide can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other blood pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors: blood pressure may fall too low
- Digoxin and heart rhythm medicines
- Lithium
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen
- Laxatives
- Some antidepressants, fluconazole and risperidone
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed can be dangerous, causing heavy fluid loss, dizziness and fainting. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient furosemide is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain it with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Furosemide belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Furosemide
These medicines sold in India contain Furosemide. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Lasix 40 · 40 mg tablet
What is Furosemide used for?
Medicines that contain Furosemide are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is furosemide used for?
Furosemide is a prescription water tablet used to remove extra fluid in conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease and severe liver disease, and sometimes for high blood pressure. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Why does furosemide make me pass so much urine?
It stops the kidneys taking back salt, so salt and water leave in the urine. Many people take it in the morning so that sleep is not disturbed. Ask your doctor about the best time for you.
What should I do if I have vomiting or diarrhoea on furosemide?
These can lead to dehydration, which the tablets can make worse. Signs include dry mouth, thirst, dark urine, dizziness and confusion. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice instead of deciding yourself.
Do I need blood tests on furosemide?
Often yes. It can change salts such as potassium and sodium and affect the kidneys, so doctors check blood tests from time to time, especially with long-term use. Follow your doctor's advice.
Can I drink alcohol with furosemide?
It is best avoided, because alcohol can add to dizziness and dehydration. Ask your doctor what is reasonable for you.
Sources
- Furosemide: a medicine to remove excess fluid. NHS (UK)
- Heart failure. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C03CA01 furosemide. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)