loop diuretics  (fyoor OH se mide)

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torsemide, furosemide, ethacrynic acid, bumetanide

What is this medicine?

FUROSEMIDE (fyoor OH se mide) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, and edema or swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal blood electrolytes
• diarrhea or vomiting
• gout
• heart disease
• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass more urine after taking this medicine. Do not take your medicine at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain antibiotics given by injection
• diuretics
• heart medicines like digoxin, dofetilide, or nitroglycerin
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for high cholesterol like cholestyramine, clofibrate, or colestipol
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation like ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
• phenytoin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• sucralfate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.