Index
What is it, and what is it used for?
First of all, it should be kept in mind that Furosemide, in the most literal sense, is nothing more than a diuretic responsible for stimulating the normal development of the renal function, thus helping with abundant urine production and elimination of urine. You go out and with the excess water in your body.
In another order of ideas, many doctors claim that the drug helps treat hypertension or lymphomas resulting from heart, kidney, or liver disease.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using this medication?
It is always recommended to speak with a specialist doctor if you present one of the following values in your personal history:
- Abnormal electrolytes in the blood
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Drop
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease, poor urine output, or dysuria
- Liver disease
- If you are pregnant or if you want to be pregnant
- Inform about your diet
How should I take Furosemide?
A glass of water orally accompanies the most generalized form of how Furosemide should be administered to facilitate its consumption. Furosemide can be taken on an empty stomach (i.e., fasting) or after meals. If it is a source of gastric ailments, take it with food or drinks such as milk.
Do not exceed the recipes. It should be noted that you are advised to urge the applicant to do so promptly. Do not take your doses at the time of day that causes inconvenience or at bedtime; a disciplined routine should be done regarding the medication administration.
Talk to your pediatrician if this medication will be used for children. Special attention may be required.
What you should do just in case you forget to take a dose.
The first thing is not to be alarmed. Everything has a solution, more in the case of Furosemide. Then, if you omitted a take, take it as soon as possible.
Take this dose only if it is almost time for the next shot. Do not take a double or extra dose. Remember that it is a medication of delicate use.
Interactions with Furosemide
Certain precautions must be taken in administering the medication if you are dealing with other medications with some condition at the same time. Then, read carefully. It is not recommended to take Furosemide along with the following medications:
- Some antibiotics
- Diuretics
- Medications for the heart such as digoxin, dofetilide, or nitroglycerin
- Lithium
- Medications for diabetes
- Medications for high blood pressure
- Medications for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) such as cholestyramine, clofibrate, or colestipol
- Medications that relax muscles for surgery
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
- Phenytoin
- Steroid medications such as prednisone or cortisone
- Sucralfate
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. Therefore you should always talk to your doctor. It is advisable to contact your doctor and inform him if he takes herbs and dietary supplements or other elements that could cause adverse reactions to your health.
Besides, the more the treating doctor knows about what he consumes, his lifestyle, and so on; for example, if he smokes, regularly drinks caffeine or alcohol, or takes illegal drugs, he will know how to prevent it and avoid worse damage his health.
What other factors should be taken into account in order to use Furosemide?
Consult your doctor or health professional regularly to assess your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional to report your average blood pressure; in this case, you should contact your doctor.
If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose level as directed. You may have unique treatment while taking Furosemide (ask your doctor). Also, ask how many glasses of water you should drink daily (avoid dehydration).
If there is a danger of drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive, use machinery or perform tasks that require vigilance before knowing how you are medicating.
To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, do not get up or feel quickly, especially if you are an older patient, that is, of the third age. Also, remember that drinks like alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Then, it is necessary to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Furosemide can increase your photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you do not have the opportunity to sunbathe freely, you can enjoy the outdoors and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Do not use a solar lamp or illuminated cabin.
Patient discipline – patient medical communication during treatment
Finally, remember that Furosemide will work better and achieve the goals you want with it as long as you as a patient cooperate fully with your doctor’s instructions.
Many people complain that they do not get the desired results at the right time, and this is true because, at some point in the treatment, they begin to consume other medications or practice other diets that interfere to a greater or lesser extent with the effects of the medication in question.
Therefore, the doctor-patient communication must be transparent. The attending physician must know if there were failures in the daily intake. You should also inform the doctor if you use alcoholic beverages during treatment.
The communication between you as a patient and your doctor as a treating professional must be constant and sincere. Otherwise, the objectives pursued will not be achieved.
Recommendations for the patient taking Furosemide.
- Keep a notebook in case you notice unexpected symptoms; write them down.
- Place an alarm at the time of each dose.
- Put notes in your fridge when taking the medication.
- With these steps, you will be doing an efficient treatment.
