Frusemide is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems, including heart and liver disease. It is also used to treat high blood pressure. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Dosage
For treatment of Oedema, the usual initial daily dose is 20 to 80mg given as a single dose. If the diuretic response to a single dose of 20 to 80mg is not satisfactory, increase this dose by increments of 20 to 40mg, not sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose, until the desired diuretic effect is obtained. This individually determined dose should be given once or twice (e.g. at 8 am and 2 pm) daily. The dose of frusemide may be carefully titrated up to 400mg/day (except in advanced renal failure) in those patients with severe clinical oedematous states. The mobilisation of oedema may be most efficiently and safely accomplished by giving frusemide on 2 to 4 consecutive days each week.
When doses exceeding 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods, careful clinical laboratory observations are particularly advisable.
Side Effects
Frequent urination may last for up to 6 hours after a dose and should decrease after you take furosemide for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- muscle cramps
- weakness
- dizziness
- confusion
- thirst
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- blurred vision
- headache
- restlessness
- constipation
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fever
- sore throat
- ringing in the ears
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- loss of hearing
- severe rash with peeling skin
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- rapid, excessive weight loss
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
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