What is Furosemide?
Furosemide is a medication that may be used to treat heart failure or kidney conditions. It helps to decrease the extra salt and water in the body by increasing the amount of urine it makes. Furosemide belongs to a class of medications called diuretics of “water pills”.
How do I give this medication?
It is given orally one to three times a day by mouth or through the nasogastric tube (NGT) or feeding tube.
The dosage is computed according to the weight of your child. Kindly refer to your prescription for the correct dosage.
How is this medication stored?
- Keep at room temperature away from sunlight.
- Keep medication away from moist and damp places.
- Keep medication out of the reach of small children.
What should I do if a dose is missed?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose–give the next dose at the normal time.
Do not double up the dose.
If your child vomits within 15 minutes after a dose, give a new dose. If longer than 15 minutes, then wait until the next normal medication time.
Possible common side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness because of low blood pressure
- Stomach upset
- Headache, fatigue
- Skin rash
- Thirsty or dry mouth
- Muscle cramps
When to seek care
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting lasting longer than 4 hours
- Any new symptoms that seem different from your usual heart symptoms.
Other notes or special instructions:
- If the child has taken or been given an extra dose and you are worried, call Healthlink BC at 811
- If your child accidentally has taken or been given an overdose, call:
BC Drug and Poison Centre:
1-800-567-8911 or 604-682-5050
- This medicine may cause the body to lose potassium. Furosemide is often given with another diuretic called spironolactone to stop the loss of potassium. Your doctor may order bloodwork to check sodium and potassium levels.
- Your doctor may suggest your child to eat/drink food that contain more potassium (such as orange juice or bananas). Please ask your doctor because extra potassium may not be needed.
- Hold the dose if your child is not eating or drinking well.
- This medication can lower blood pressure. Ask your child to get out of bed or stand up slowly.
- Furosemide may cause the skin to burn in the sun. Make sure your child has plenty of sun protection with a hat, clothing and sunscreen with SPF 15.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications, over the counter medications, or herbal products.
