Information about Furosemide (Generic Lasix) :


Furosemide is in the class of loop diuretics. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate more electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are used for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) is a problem. It may also be used with other medicines to treat fluid build-up in the lungs. It may also be used for other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.

You should not use Furosemide in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in Furosemide or to sulfonamides; you are unable to urinate.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Before using Furosemide:
Be aware that Furosemide may interact with some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor in case you have any medical conditions listed below: if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing impairment, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, have had a heart attack, or are dehydrated.

Be aware that Furosemide may interact with some medicines. Consult with your doctor in case you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the next: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Furosemide; Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), ethacrynic acid, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) and ears (hearing loss) may occur; Chloral hydrate because side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, and changes in blood pressure, may occur; Digoxin or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Furosemide.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Furosemide:
Take this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Furosemide is usually injected at your doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. Use Furosemide at home only after your doctor teaches you how to use it. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose carefully. Contact your doctor about any questions.

Do not use Furosemide if there are particles, it is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

Store Furosemide out of the reach of children and pets. Use needles, syringes, and other materials only once. Ask your doctor how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

You may urinate more often when you first start taking Furosemide. Try to take your dose before 6 pm, in order to keep this from disturbing your sleep.

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then follow your usual schedule. Nevertheless, if it is near to the time for your next dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.

Important safety information:
Furosemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, so be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. You should avoid such activities if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Sit up or stand slowly. Sit or lie down in case you experience these. Contact your doctor if you faint. Alcohol may increase such symptoms. Avoid taking alcohol and other medicines.

Furosemide may affect your blood sugar in diabetes patients. Check blood sugar levels carefully. Change the dose of your diabetes medicine only after medical consultation.

Do monitor your blood pressure when taking Furosemide.

Do not use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it without medical consultation.

You may become sensitive to the sun while taking Furosemide. If you do not know your reaction to Furosemide, try not to expose to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Wear a sunscreen or protective clothing if you go out.

LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts monitoring, may be performed to monitor your progress.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Consult with your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, as the benefits and risks of using Furosemide during while you are pregnant are not known. There is no reliable data whether Furosemide passes into breast milk. You are not recommended to breast-feed when being treated with Furosemide.

Possible side effects of Furosemide:
Not everyone experience side effects, however consult with your doctor if you have any of the most COMMON side effects: Abnormal skin sensations; bladder spasm; blurred vision; constipation; cramping; dizziness; dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position; feeling of whirling motion; fever; headache; lightheadedness; mouth and stomach irritation; muscle spasm; nausea; redness; restlessness; seeing a yellow color; ringing in the ears; sensitivity to sunlight; vein inflammation.

Seek emergency if you experience any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; excessive urination; hearing loss; loss of appetite; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; sudden joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.