How does it work?

Furosemide (frusemide) belongs to a group of medications called the loop diuretics. Loop diuretics act in the kidney to remove excess water from the blood, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood causes a decrease in the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This drop in fluid volume decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. There are many conditions which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). Furosemide is commonly used in conditions such as heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, such as the shortness of breath seen with fluid on the lungs. At higher doses the amount of water drawn from the blood into the urine is much greater, therefore furosemide is also used when there is reduced production of urine in patients with kidney failure. Furosemide is also used to remove excess fluid associated with liver failure, hypertension, and poor circulation in the periphery (ie. arms and legs). Furosemide increases the loss of potassium into the urine, which can cause low amounts of potassium in the body (hypokalaemia). Low potassium levels may increase the risk of the occurance of irregular heart rhythms. This medication contains a potassium supplement to prevent hypokalaemia and the associated problems in those susceptible individuals.

What is it used for?

Excess fluid accumulation of any origin where potassium supplementation is necessary

Warning!

It is recommended that individuals taking this medicine have their fluid and salt (electrolyte) balance monitored regularly.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine you should inform your doctor promptly, so that the amount of fluids and salts in your body can be checked: thirst, lethargy, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, scanty production of urine, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, nausea and vomiting.

As diuretics cause your kidneys to produce more urine, you may prefer to take this medicine in the morning rather than before going to bed, as this will reduce the likelihood of you needing to get up in the night to visit the toilet. Seek further advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Use with caution in

Abnormally high pH of body fluids (alkalosis)

Diabetes

Enlarged prostate gland

Kidney failure

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low volume of circulating blood (hypovolaemia)

Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)

Not to be used in

Allergy to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic sulphamethoxazole

Children

High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)

Inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands

Kidney failure, preventing production of urine

Liver disease that is causing the patient to become unconscious

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is safe when used in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and only for short term use. Seek medical advice.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication is to be taken with plenty of water.

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