Furosemide

Uses of Furosemide

Furosemide is commonly used in the treatment of heart failure, hypertension and oedema.

How Furosemide Works

Furosemide is a diuretic. It inhibits sodium ion and chloride ion transporter at the ascending loop of Henle. It prevents reabsorption of water and sodium ion into our bloodstream thus increasing urine output treating edema. It also increases the amount of calcium excretion in the urine treating hypercalcemia.

Side Effects of Furosemide

Hypotension, Hyponatremia, Hypochloraemia, Headache, Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Thirst, Weakness, Lethargy, Muscle cramps, Dehydration, Rashes

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Furosemide should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease as dose adjustments may be needed. Furosemide mainly works on the kidney therefore severe kidney disease or renal failure patients are contraindicated. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to consume alcohol with Furosemide as alcohol is a diuretic itself. The effects are electrolyte imbalances and enhance hypotensive effect.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Furosemide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown no side effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies that can prove the safety of Furosemide in high doses. The benefits from use in pregnant patients may outweigh the risk so please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Furosemide may cause delayed reaction time which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Furosemide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease as dose adjustments may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Furosemide is mostly not recommended for patients as it may inhibit lactation and it may pass into breast milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).