Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It prevents the body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to be excreted through urine. It treats fluid retention in those with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorders. It can also be used to treat hypertension.

Inform your doctor of your medical history and other drugs you use before starting furosemide, including whether you’ve recently had an MRI or other scan that involves injecting radioactive dye into the veins. Use dosing equipment provided for liquid medication. Dispose of liquid medication 90 days after opening the bottle even if there is leftover medication. Follow your doctor’s prescription guidelines and possible guidelines on supplements. Furosemide may only be used once, so you may not have a dosing schedule.

Do not use furosemide if you are unable to urinate or if you are allergic. Do not take a higher dose than what you were prescribed. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant/breast-feed. This medication can cause you to dehydrate easily. Avoid getting up too quickly. If you also take sucralfate, take furosemide 2 hours before or after sucralfate.

Seek immediate emergency attention if you suspect an allergic reaction or overdose. Contact your doctor if you encounter a serious side effect, such as: hearing problems, easy bruising and unusual bleeding, sudden weakness, fever and chills, painful/difficult urination, numbness and tingling, sudden weakness, lightheadedness, symptoms of high blood sugar, symptoms of a liver, pancreas, or kidney issue, and signs of an electrolyte imbalance. Other possible side effects include: diarrhea or constipation, numbness and tingling, headache, dizziness, vision problems. This drug may interact with others, including: chloral hydrate, lithium, phenytoin, cancer medications, heart and blood pressure medications, and other diuretics.