Furosemide 80mg Tablets

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This inhibition prevents the reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions, leading to increased excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It also has a direct vasodilatory effect on renal blood vessels, increasing renal blood flow.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes or confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling extremely tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
+ Dry mouth or dry eyes
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Signs of liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Stomach pain or upset
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Difficulty urinating
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problems), such as:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Severe dizziness or fainting
Abnormal sensations, such as burning, numbness, or tingling
Blurred vision
Restlessness

Severe Skin Reactions: Get Medical Help Right Away

This medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions. These reactions can be life-threatening and may affect other organs. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness or headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach upset or vomiting
Decreased appetite
* Stomach cramps

Reporting Side Effects

This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have difficulty urinating or are unable to pass urine.
If you are dehydrated or have electrolyte imbalances.
If you have a history of liver problems or low blood pressure.
* If you are taking any of the following medications: chloral hydrate, ethacrynic acid, or lithium.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any existing health problems. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess potential interactions and ensure it is safe for you to take this medication. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

Important Warnings and Precautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Caution with Daily Activities
Avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down, and be cautious when climbing stairs.

Managing Diabetes
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Be aware of signs of high blood sugar, such as confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath. Report these symptoms to your doctor.

Dietary Considerations
If you follow a low-salt or salt-free diet, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you have high blood pressure and are taking this medication, discuss the use of over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

Monitoring Your Condition
Regularly check your blood pressure as directed by your doctor. Also, have your blood work checked as recommended by your doctor and discuss the results with them.

Potential Side Effects
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been associated with this medication. If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, consult your doctor. You may require additional potassium supplements; discuss this with your doctor.

Interactions with Other Substances
Before using alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC medications that may cause drowsiness, consult your doctor.

Sun Sensitivity
This medication may increase your risk of sunburn. Take precautions when exposed to the sun, and inform your doctor if you experience excessive sunburn.

Other Potential Risks
Be aware of the possibility of gout attacks. If you have lupus, this medication may exacerbate your condition or trigger a flare-up. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Hearing and Blood Cell Problems
Hearing problems, such as decreased hearing or hearing loss, have been reported with this medication. These issues may be temporary or permanent. If you experience ringing in the ears, changes in your hearing, or a feeling of fullness in your ears, contact your doctor immediately. Additionally, low blood cell counts have been associated with this medication, which can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Seek medical attention if you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or if you feel extremely tired or weak.

Special Considerations
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You and your doctor will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to you and your baby.

• Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin): Increased risk of ototoxicity.
• Ethacrynic acid: Increased risk of ototoxicity.
• Chloral hydrate: Transient flushing, sweating, blood pressure elevation, and tachycardia.
• Lithium: Reduced renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased serum lithium levels and potential toxicity.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide and increase the risk of renal impairment.

• ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Potentiation of antihypertensive effect, risk of severe hypotension and acute renal failure, especially with initial doses.
• Digoxin: Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to furosemide-induced hypokalemia.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of hypokalemia.
• Amphotericin B: Increased risk of hypokalemia.
• Cisplatin: Increased risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
• Phenytoin: Decreased diuretic effect of furosemide.
• Sucralfate: Decreased absorption of furosemide (separate administration by at least 2 hours).
• Antidiabetic agents: May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs.

• Probenecid: May reduce the diuretic effect of furosemide.
• Salicylates (high dose): May compete for renal tubular secretion, increasing risk of salicylate toxicity.

• Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion)
• Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance (muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, seizures)
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing)
• Ototoxicity (hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo)
• Gout flares (joint pain, swelling, redness)
• Skin rash or photosensitivity

Category C. Furosemide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It can cross the placental barrier. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

L3 (Moderately safe). Furosemide is excreted in breast milk and may inhibit lactation. Use with caution. Monitor the infant for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss.

Use with caution. Dosing is weight-based. Neonates and infants may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly electrolyte imbalances and ototoxicity. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolytes is crucial.

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the hypotensive and electrolyte-depleting effects of furosemide. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor fluid status, electrolytes, and renal function closely to prevent dehydration and acute kidney injury.

• Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic; careful monitoring of fluid and electrolytes is essential to prevent dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalances (especially hypokalemia).
• The 80mg dose is considered high and is typically reserved for more severe edema or in patients with reduced renal function where higher doses are needed to achieve diuresis.
• Administering the last dose of the day in the late afternoon (e.g., by 5-6 PM) can help prevent nocturia (nighttime urination) and sleep disturbance.
• Patients on furosemide should be advised to report any signs of hearing changes (tinnitus, hearing loss) immediately, especially if also on other ototoxic drugs.
• NSAIDs can significantly blunt the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide and increase the risk of renal dysfunction; concurrent use should be monitored closely.
• In patients with ascites due to liver cirrhosis, furosemide should be used cautiously and often in combination with a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone) to prevent hypokalemia and minimize the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.

• Other Loop Diuretics: Bumetanide, Torsemide (often used when furosemide is ineffective or for different pharmacokinetic profiles).
• Thiazide Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone (for hypertension or mild edema, less potent than loop diuretics).
• Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Amiloride, Triamterene (used for potassium conservation or specific conditions like heart failure/cirrhosis).
• Vasodilators (for hypertension): ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium Channel Blockers, Beta-blockers.
• Dialysis (for severe fluid overload refractory to diuretics).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.