Furocot (Oral)

Furosemide is part of a group of medicines called loop diuretics (also known as water pills). Furosemide is used to help treat fluid retention (edema) and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, or other medical conditions. It works by affecting the kidneys to increase urine flow.

Furosemide is also used, either alone or with other medicines, to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure makes the heart and arteries work harder. If it lasts for a long time, it can cause the heart and arteries to not work properly. This can damage the blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, leading to a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. Controlling blood pressure may help reduce the likelihood of these problems.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that your doctor checks how you or your child are doing at regular visits to ensure this medicine is working properly. Blood or urine tests may be needed to check for side effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause your unborn baby to be bigger than normal. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause you or your child to lose more potassium from your body than normal (hypokalemia). This is more likely to happen if you have liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), or if you are using this medicine along with steroids (cortisone-like medicines), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), large amounts of licorice, or laxatives for a long time. Tell your doctor if you become sick with severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Check with your doctor right away if you have a dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, or nausea or vomiting.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you stand up suddenly from lying down or sitting. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing. You may also experience dizziness or ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor if you feel a constant sensation of movement or spinning.

This medicine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing when you are outside. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Make sure any doctor or dentist treating you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of some medical tests.

Do not take other medicines unless you have discussed them with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking it must be balanced with the benefits it will provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, the following should be taken into account:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, including to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would prevent the use of furosemide. However, premature babies may have a higher risk of kidney side effects, which requires caution when using furosemide.

Geriatric

Studies done so far have not indicated any specific problems in elderly patients that would limit the usefulness of furosemide. However, older adults are more likely to have age-related issues with their liver, kidneys, or heart, which might require careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments when taking furosemide.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits versus the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all. In other situations, two different medicines may be taken together even if there might be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below when you are on this medication. The following interactions are highlighted for their potential significance and are not necessarily a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may choose to not prescribe this medication for you or change some of the other medicines you are taking.

• Desmopressin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency for one or both medicines.

• Acarbose
• Aceclofenac
• Acemetacin
• Albiglutide
• Albuterol
• Alogliptin
• Amikacin
• Amikacin Liposome
• Amtolmetin Guacil
• Arsenic Trioxide
• Aspirin
• Azilsartan
• Azilsartan Medoxomil
• Balsalazide
• Benazepril
• Bepridil
• Bismuth Subsalicylate
• Bromfenac
• Bromocriptine
• Bufexamac
• Buprenorphine
• Canagliflozin
• Candesartan
• Capreomycin
• Captopril
• Cefepime
• Ceftazidime
• Celecoxib
• Chloral Hydrate
• Chlorpropamide
• Choline Salicylate
• Cisplatin
• Clonixin
• Codeine
• Dapagliflozin
• Dasabuvir
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Dichlorphenamide
• Diclofenac
• Diflunisal
• Digitoxin
• Dipyrone
• Dofetilide
• Droperidol
• Droxicam
• Dulaglutide
• Empagliflozin
• Enalapril
• Enalaprilat
• Eprosartan
• Ethacrynic Acid
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Exenatide
• Felbinac
• Fenoprofen
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Fexinidazole
• Floctafenine
• Flufenamic Acid
• Flurbiprofen
• Formoterol
• Foscarnet
• Fosinopril
• Gentamicin
• Glimepiride
• Glipizide
• Glyburide
• Ibuprofen
• Indomethacin
• Insulin
• Insulin Aspart, Recombinant
• Insulin Bovine
• Insulin Degludec
• Insulin Detemir
• Insulin Glulisine
• Irbesartan
• Kanamycin
• Ketanserin
• Ketoprofen
• Ketorolac
• Leflunomide
• Levomethadyl
• Levothyroxine
• Linagliptin
• Liothyronine
• Liraglutide
• Lisinopril
• Lithium
• Lixisenatide
• Lornoxicam
• Losartan
• Loxoprofen
• Lumiracoxib
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic Acid
• Meloxicam
• Mesalamine
• Methotrexate
• Metolazone
• Miglitol
• Moexipril
• Morniflumate
• Nabumetone
• Naproxen
• Nateglinide
• Neomycin
• Nepafenac
• Netilmicin
• Niflumic Acid
• Nimesulide
• Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
• Nitisinone
• Norepinephrine
• Olmesartan
• Olsalazine
• Oxaprozin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Parecoxib
• Paromomycin
• Perindopril
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Pioglitazone
• Piroxicam
• Plazomicin
• Pramlintide
• Proglumetacin
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Quinapril
• Ramipril
• Repaglinide
• Rofecoxib
• Rosiglitazone
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Saxagliptin
• Sitagliptin
• Sodium Salicylate
• Sotalol
• Spectinomycin
• Streptomycin
• Sulfasalazine
• Sulindac
• Tapentadol
• Telmisartan
• Tenoxicam
• Teriflunomide
• Tiaprofenic Acid
• Tobramycin
• Tolazamide
• Tolbutamide
• Tolfenamic Acid
• Tolmetin
• Trandolapril
• Trolamine Salicylate
• Valdecoxib
• Valsartan
• Vildagliptin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines might increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best option for you. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency for one or both.

• Aliskiren
• Carbamazepine
• Cephaloridine
• Cholestyramine
• Clofibrate
• Colestipol
• Cyclosporine
• Dibekacin
• Fludrocortisone
• Germanium
• Ginseng
• Gossypol
• Licorice
• Pancuronium
• Tubocurarine
• Vecuronium

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, Azulfidine®, Bactrim®, Gantrisin®, or Septra®) or
• Anemia or
• Bladder problem with urinating or
• Dehydration or
• Diabetes mellitus or
• Gout or
• Hearing problems or
• Hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood) or
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood) or
• Hypochloremic alkalosis (low chlorine in the blood) or
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or
• Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium in the blood) or
• Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) or
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
• Hypovolemia (low blood volume) or
• Severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) or
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or
• Trouble urinating (due to bladder emptying disorders, enlarged prostate, narrow urethra)—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

• Anuria (not able to pass urine)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Hypoproteinemia (low protein in the blood) from a kidney issue or
• Radiocontrast nephropathy (kidney issue)—May worsen side effects.

• Severe kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because the medicine is removed from the body more slowly.

Along with its helpful effects, a medicine can also cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Chest pain
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• fever
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen or painful glands
• tightness in the chest
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

Incidence not known

• Back or leg pains
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• clay-colored stools
• cloudy urine
• cold sweats
• confusion
• constipation
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• coughing up blood
• cracks in the skin
• darkened urine
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• fast heartbeat
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
• hearing loss
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• indigestion
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• nosebleeds
• pain in the joints or muscles
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• red, irritated eyes
• red, swollen skin
• skin rash
• spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
• sweating
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• trouble breathing with exertion
• unusual weight loss
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Decreased urination
• drowsiness
• increase in heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• irritability
• mood changes
• muscle cramps
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands, feet, or lips
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• sunken eyes
• thirst
• trembling
• weak pulse
• weakness and heaviness of the legs
• wrinkled skin

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• hives or welts
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• muscle spasm
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• restlessness
• sensation of spinning
• severe sunburn
• weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Furocot
• Lasix

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Diuretic, Loop

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any symptoms of the condition. In fact, most patients feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

In addition to using this medicine, treatment of your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt) or potassium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You might have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, strokes, or kidney disease.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If you are taking sucralfate (Carafate®), take this medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking furosemide. It may keep furosemide from working properly.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (oral solution or tablets): For edema: Adults—At first, 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) once a day as a single dose or divided and given twice per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 2 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day as a single dose. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per kg of body weight per day. For high blood pressure: Adults—At first, 40 milligrams (mg) two times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

• What are the equivalent dosages of bumetanide, furosemide & torsemide?