Furosemide

Furosemide is a diuretic, or water pill, that works by keeping your body from absorbing excess salt. It is commonly prescribed for people with liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure (hypertension). The trade name for Furosemide is Lasix.

Furosemide minor side effects include headache, blurred vision, and constipation. You should tell your doctor if you experience any minor side effects. More serious side effects, such as hearing loss, weakness, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin), require immediate emergency care. Allergic reactions to Furosemide should also be treated right away. Furosemide is a class "C" drug, so women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take it. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or want to begin breastfeeding while you are taking Furosemide. Furosemide and beer, along with other alcohols, should not be mixed. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, lupus, or an inability to urinate, may prevent you from taking Furosemide. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. Other medications may interact poorly with Furosemide, even common over the counter drugs like cold medications, so tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Based on this information, your doctor may recommend a different drug such as Bumetanide. He or she can discuss the benefits of Bumetanide vs. Furosemide with you, and help you decide which is right for you.

Patients who take Furosemide may become easily dehydrated. It is therefore important to drink plenty of water, and your doctor may also recommend potassium supplements. You may also develop more sensitive skin, so always use sunscreen when you are outside, to avoid sunburn.

You should never take Furosemide unless you are under a doctor's care. This is because you will need to be monitored regularly while taking Furosemide for such conditions as liver or kidney disease. You should not buy Furosemide from any place where you can buy it without a prescription.

Furosemide use is also common in racehorses and dogs. It is common to see Furosemide used in racehorses, to prevent bleeding during the race, due to the strain racing puts on the horse's body. Furosemide use in horses is very controversial, and is not allowed in all countries. Whether a horse is on the medication is something many people take into consideration when deciding whether to bet on a particular horse in a race. Furosemide for dogs, however, is not as controversial, as it is used to treat heart failure.