Furosemide: A Comprehensive Medication Guide

Summary or Key Points

Furosemide, often recognized by its US brand name, Lasix, is a diuretic medication widely used to treat conditions like edema and high blood pressure. This medication is essential for many people, but it also carries the risk of side effects. As with any medication, always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. With the convenience of telemedicine, you can connect with our providers right away for advice and guidance.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Lasix

Generic Name: Furosemide

A ‘generic name’ is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. It’s the same no matter what brand the medication comes under. The generic name is listed here in parenthesis (Furosemide).

Pharmacologic Category

Furosemide belongs to a class of drugs known as loop diuretics. Other medications in this category include:

• Torsemide (Demadex)
• Bumetanide (Bumex)
• Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin)

Dosing

Furosemide is indicated to treat the following conditions in adults:

• Edema related to congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disorders: The typical dose is 20-80mg, taken once daily or divided and taken twice daily. Length of treatment varies based on the individual’s response and condition.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The usual starting dose is 40mg twice daily. Adjustments are made based on response to treatment.

Remember, only adjust your dose under the guidance of a healthcare provider. With our telemedicine services, you can consult with a healthcare provider about your dosage without leaving your home.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Furosemide is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg
• Oral solution: 10mg/ml
• Injection: 10mg/ml

Administration Instructions

Furosemide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day as directed by your healthcare provider. It can be taken with or without food. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it’s best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult with our healthcare providers through telemedicine to clarify any questions or concerns.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While Furosemide is effective in treating specific conditions, it may cause some side effects. These include:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Dehydration, low blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry levels (including low sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium), increased sugar levels, increased uric acid levels, feeling sick (nausea), diarrhea, constipation,

  increased urine production, increased thirst, and changes in blood lipid levels.

• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Skin reactions, itching, rash, hearing disturbances and ringing in the ears (tinnitus), decreased appetite, vomiting, muscle cramps, and changes in kidney function.

If you experience any of these side effects, or if you have other concerns about your medication, connect with our healthcare providers via our telemedicine service immediately.

Contraindications

A ‘contraindication’ is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Contraindications for taking Furosemide include:

• Allergy to furosemide or sulfonamides: People with this allergy could have severe reactions to Furosemide.
• Severe kidney disease: If your kidneys aren’t working well, your body may not be able to eliminate Furosemide effectively, causing potentially harmful effects.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Furosemide can exacerbate conditions like low blood potassium or sodium levels.
• Anuria (inability to urinate): As a diuretic, Furosemide increases urine production, which could exacerbate anuria.

Always consult with a healthcare provider to understand if this medication is safe for you. Our telemedicine service makes this consultation convenient and accessible.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Furosemide can interact with a number of medications, including:

• Lithium (Lithobid)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin (Garamycin)

Furosemide in Pregnancy

Using Furosemide during pregnancy should be avoided unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Studies show that it can cross the placenta, and its use may affect fetal development. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, easily done through our telemedicine service.

Furosemide while Breastfeeding

Furosemide is excreted into breast milk and may inhibit lactation. Discuss with a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits before taking Furosemide while breastfeeding. Our telemedicine service is readily available for this consultation.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Furosemide (20mg) without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is around $4-$15. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy and location.

Possible Alternatives

For the conditions treated by Furosemide, possible alternatives include:

• Edema: Lifestyle changes like a low-sodium diet, exercise, or wearing compression stockings may help. Other diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone, may also be alternatives.
• High Blood Pressure: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, dietary modifications, and stress management could help manage high blood pressure. Other medication classes like ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers may be alternatives.

Before making any changes to your treatment plan, always discuss with a healthcare provider. This consultation can be conveniently done through our telemedicine service.

Recent Updates on Furosemide Research

Current research is evaluating the effectiveness of Furosemide in new therapeutic areas. For instance, a 2023 study is investigating the potential role of Furosemide in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious lung condition. As research progresses, our understanding of Furosemide continues to expand, offering new possibilities for its use.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.