Furosemide Side Effects

Serious side effects of Furosemide

High doses of Furosemide may cause permanent hearing loss.
Unsafe drop in blood pressure. This is more likely to happen when first taking Furosemide and when increasing the dosage.
Deyhdration and low electrolytes
Rapid heart rate or arrhythmia
High blood sugar in diabetic patients, which can cause nerve, organ, and blood vessel damage. In some rare cases, Furosemide caused diabetes.
Kidney stones
Increase liver enzymes
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes which can signify a serious liver problem

Common side effects of Furosemide

blurred vision or dizziness
a spinning feeling
mild itching, with or without rash
diarrhea or constipation
stomach pain

Warnings & Recalls for Furosemide

Recalls

In September, 2011, Hospira Inc. recalled one lot of 100mg Furosemide injection, USP due to incorrect pH levels. The recalled bottles are labeled with the NDC (National Drug Code) number 0409-1639-10 and the expiration date is January 1, 2012.

In June, 2009, Sandoz, Inc recalled one lot of 40 mg Furosemide tablets due to incorrect tablet size and strength. The recalled bottles are labeled with the NDC (National Drug Code) number 0781-1966-10.

Warnings

Furosemide is a class C pregnancy medication and may be unsafe to take during pregnancy. Furosemide may also pass through breast milk and may be unsafe to take during breastfeeding. Furosemide may prevent lactation. In a controlled study, Furosemide given to pregnant rabbits at 2, 4, and 8 times the maximum human dosage increased maternal deaths and abortions.
Furosemide should be avoided if the patient has difficulty urinating, bladder problems, or an enlarged prostate as Furosemide may cause acute urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention.
Furosemide may aggravate gout as well as lupus.
The patient should have regular blood tests while taking Furosemide in order to monitor possible adverse affects.

Furosemide Treatment and Use

Furosemide is a loop diuretic primarily used to treat edema, or swelling that occurs beneath the skin due to a build up of fluid, which can be caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorders, such as nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide has also been utilized in the treatment of high blood pressure, which lessens the strain on the heart and can prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure or stroke. Furosemide alleviates fluid retention through forced diuresis, or urination. Furosemide is sold as Lasix in the U.S by Sanofi, while the generic is manufactured and marketed by Sandoz, Inc and Hospira, Inc.

How does Furosemide work?

Furosemide causes the kidneys to expel excess salt and water from the body by increasing the frequency of urination. Diuresis (increased urine production) usually begins within one hour of oral administration and is most effective within 1-2 hours. The diuretic effect from Furosemide typically lasts 6 to8 hours.

Furosemide Dosage

Furosemide is available in both tablet and injection forms. The oral tablets are primarily used as maintenance doses while the injectable is used for more severe conditions.

Edema

The initial oral dose for Edema is 20 to 80 mg. If diuresis does not occur, then either the same dose can be taken again 6 to 8 hours later or the next dose can be increased up to 20 to 40 mg. The patient must wait at least 6 hours for the next dose. Doses may reach up to 600mg a day with severe edema if the patient is in a clinical setting.

The inital intravenous or intramuscular dose for Edema is 10 to 20 mg over a period of 1 to 2 minutes. If diuresis does not occur, another dose may be given in 1 to 2 hours. If further medication is needed, another dose may be given in 2 hours. After this dose, if diuresis does not occur, the last dose may be increased by 20 to 40 mg. Most intravenous dosages are under 200 mg.

Hypertension

The inital oral dose for Hypertension is 80 mg (2 doses of 40 mg a day). Dosage may be adjusted according to initial response. If the patient is unresponsive, Furosemide may be supplemented with other antihypertensive agents.