Furosemide

Furosemide belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics or water tablets. It is used to reduce the swelling (edema) caused by too much water in the body in people who have heart failure, liver or kidney disease. This medicine is also used to treat high blood pressure.

Furosemide helps your body get rid of extra water and salt through urine. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines as per the dose advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time each day. It is best to avoid taking this medicine within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up at night to urinate.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. If you stop taking it without consulting your doctor, your condition may worsen. Lifestyle changes like reducing stress, restricting salt intake, and stopping smoking may help this medication work better.

Common side effects of this medicine include hypotension, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, decreased sodium level in blood, decreased potassium level in the blood, and decreased magnesium level in blood. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any liver problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests and electrolyte levels is important while using this medicine. It may reduce the potassium level in your blood so your doctor may ask you to add potassium-rich foods to your diet (such as bananas, coconut water, etc.) or prescribe supplements.

• Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Treatment of Edema

Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Furosemide prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and allows the salt to be removed in your urine instead. It also helps get rid of excess water. This helps to lower your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. When your blood pressure is lower, you are less at risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. You should make appropriate lifestyle changes to help this medicine be effective and you need to take it regularly.

Treatment of Edema
Furosemide works by increasing the amount of urine produced. This helps your body get rid of extra water thereby relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, or abdomen. This will help you go about your daily activities more easily and make you more confident about being active. Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes to help this medicine be effective.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Furoped

• Dehydration
• Decreased potassium level in blood
• Decreased magnesium level in blood
• Decreased blood pressure
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Decreased sodium level in blood

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Furosemide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Furosemide is a diuretic. It removes extra water and certain electrolytes from the body by increasing the amount of urine produced.

• Take it in the morning with breakfast to avoid getting up at night to urinate.

• Monitor your blood pressure after starting Furosemide, and notify your doctor if it does not lower down.

• Consult your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weakness that does not go away.

• Take potassium supplements or potassium-rich diet (banana, spinach, coconut water, etc.) as Furosemide can decrease your potassium levels and lead to dehydration.

• You may be asked to get regular blood tests done to monitor your kidney function.

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