Furocot

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

Furosemide is also used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

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

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain furosemide. It may not be specific to Furocot. Please read with care.

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.

Take furosemide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. High doses of furosemide may cause irreversible hearing loss.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Furosemide will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

While using this medicine, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Throw away any furosemide oral solution (liquid) 90 days after opening the bottle, even if it still contains unused medicine.

IV/IM:
Initial dose: 20 to 40 mg IV (slowly over 1 to 2 minutes) or IM once; may repeat with the same dose or increase by 20 mg no sooner than 2 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained.
Maintenance dose: Administer the dose that provided the desired diuretic effect once or twice a day.

Use: Treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome, especially when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.

Oral:
Initial dose: 20 to 80 mg orally once; may repeat with the same dose or increase by 20 or 40 mg no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained.
Maintenance dose: Administer the dose that provided the desired diuretic effect once or twice a day (e.g., at 8 am and 2 pm).
Maximum dose: 600 mg/day in patients with clinically severe edematous states

Comments:
-Edema may be most efficiently and safely mobilized by giving this drug on 2 to 4 consecutive days each week.
-When doses greater than 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods of time, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable.

Use: Treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome, especially when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.

40 mg IV slowly over 1 to 2 minutes; if a satisfactory response doesn't occur within one hour, may increase to 80 mg IV slowly over 1 to 2 minutes.

Use: Adjunctive therapy in acute pulmonary edema. IV administration of this drug is indicated when a rapid onset of diuresis is desired (e.g., in acute pulmonary edema).

IV/IM:
1 mg/kg IV or IM slowly; if the diuretic response to the initial dose is not satisfactory, may increase by 1 mg/kg and administer no sooner than 2 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained.

Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg (1 mg/kg/day for premature infants)

Use: Treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome, especially when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.

Oral:
Initial dose: 2 mg/kg orally once; if the diuretic response to the initial dose is not satisfactory, may increase by 1 or 2 mg/kg and administer no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose.
Maintenance dose: Adjust to minimum effective dose.

Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg

Use: Treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome, especially when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.

• Used to relieve the body of excess fluid caused by heart failure, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver and other conditions.
• May be used in addition to other medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure.
• Available as an injectable form.
• Generic furosemide is available.

Furosemide increases urination which relieves excess fluid but may also lead to depletion of certain electrolytes in the body (such as potassium)

• Dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual; higher dosages need extra monitoring by a doctor. Some individuals may only need furosemide two to four times per week.
• You may be more sensitive to sunlight while taking furosemide; use an SPF 30-50+ sunblock when outside.
• Tell your doctor if you develop diarrhea or vomiting while taking furosemide.
• Get up slowly when going from a lying down or sitting position to standing.
• Your electrolyte levels will need monitoring regularly including occasional testing for diabetes.
• Potassium supplements or extra dietary potassium may be needed to counteract the effects of low potassium caused by furosemide.
• If you have diabetes, be aware that furosemide may increase your blood glucose levels.

LactMed Record Number

123

Last Revision Date

20150310

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