Furosemide Tablets

GENERIC NAME: FUROSEMIDE (fur-OH-se-mide)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to treat water retention (swelling) associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. IF YOU TAKE cholestyramine, colestipol, or sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with this medicine. WHEN YOU FIRST START TAKING THIS MEDICINE, it may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. If you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning to prevent this medicine from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Exposure to light may cause the tablets to become slightly discolored. Do not take discolored tablets. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. YOUR DOCTOR MAY HAVE ALSO PRESCRIBED a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. THIS MEDICINE IS A STRONG DIURETIC. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and electrolyte (eg, potassium, sodium) loss. It is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte problems (eg, very dry mouth, unusual thirst, decreased urination, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or weakness, drowsiness, sluggishness, unusual restlessness, nausea and vomiting). THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes stimulants such as diet pills, cold medicines, and some nasal sprays. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY OR CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine; decreased urination; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; hearing decrease or loss; numbness, burning, or tingling sensation; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain; shortness of breath; symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte problems (eg, very dry mouth, unusual thirst, decreased urination, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or weakness, drowsiness, sluggishness, unusual restlessness, nausea and vomiting); symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; confusion; drowsiness); unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vein inflammation; yellow vision; yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking chloral hydrate or ethacrynic acid. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (eg, losartan), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), cephalosporin antibiotics (eg, cephalexin), cisplatin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), corticotropin (ACTH), cyclosporine, digitoxin, digoxin, ginseng, indomethacin, lithium, methotrexate, narcotics (eg, codeine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenytoin, salicylates (eg, aspirin), tacrolimus, vancomycin, or medicines for high blood pressure. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including dehydration, fluid in your abdomen (ascites), hearing problems, liver problems, diabetes, bladder problems, prostate problems, kidney problems, lupus, gout, abnormal blood electrolyte (eg, potassium, sodium) levels, high blood uric acid levels, low blood protein levels, porphyria, allergies (including to sulfonamides or sulfa drugs), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have had a heart attack, you are on a low salt diet, you do not produce much urine, you eat large amounts of licorice, or you use laxatives on a regular basis. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are unable to urinate. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, severe or persistent dizziness, or symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte problems (eg, very dry mouth, unusual thirst, decreased urination, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or weakness, drowsiness, sluggishness, unusual restlessness, nausea and vomiting).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.