- Furosemide helps reduce swelling caused by heart, liver, kidney conditions, and severe burns by increasing fluid removal through the kidneys.
- Available as tablets or injections, furosemide should only be used under medical supervision, with doses adjusted for adults and children.
- Side effects can occur, and furosemide is not recommended for weight loss or for people with certain medical conditions, including dehydration or severe kidney problems.
Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat swelling caused by heart, liver, or kidney problems, as well as severe burns. It may be recommended in situations such as worsening congestive heart failure, liver failure, or kidney failure, including nephrotic syndrome.
This medication is available in pharmacies as a tablet under the brand name Lasix or as a generic labeled “furosemide.” It should only be used with medical supervision.
Furosemide can also be given in hospitals as an injection, administered by a nurse under medical supervision.
What it is used for
Furosemide is used to treat swelling caused by:
- Exacerbation of congestive heart failure;
- Acute heart failure;
- Acute pulmonary edema;
- Liver failure with ascites;
- Kidney failure;
- Nephrotic syndrome;
- Cerebral edema;
- Severe burns.
A cardiologist may also prescribe furosemide for high blood pressure when excess fluid contributes to the condition, although it is not considered a main treatment for hypertension.
This medication works by increasing the amount of sodium removed by the kidneys. According to the American Heart Association, diuretics such as furosemide cause the body to rid itself of extra fluids and sodium through urination. The elimination of sodium allows excess fluid from the bloodstream to be released, which reduces the volume of fluid in the veins and arteries and thereby helps lower swelling and blood pressure.
Furosemide has a strong diuretic effect with a quick onset and short duration of action. Read more about diuretics and the different types available.
Does furosemide cause weight loss?
Furosemide may cause weight loss after treatment begins because it helps remove excess retained fluid. However, it is not intended for weight loss and does not affect fat burning or fat loss.
The medication can cause significant side effects and should never be used for weight loss.
How to take
How furosemide is used depends on the form of the medication:
1. Furosemide 40 mg tablets
Furosemide tablets should be taken by mouth with a glass of water on an empty stomach, meaning 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
For adults, the usual starting dose ranges from 20 to 80 mg per day, as guided by a doctor. The typical maintenance dose is 20 to 40 mg per day.
For children, the recommended dose is usually 2 mg per kilogram of body weight, up to a maximum of 40 mg per day, and should always be used under a pediatrician’s supervision.
Treatment duration should be determined by a doctor. The medication should not be stopped without medical advice.
2. Furosemide 10 mg/mL injection
Injectable furosemide should only be used in a hospital setting and must be administered into a vein or muscle by a nurse under medical supervision.
The dose must be prescribed by a doctor based on the condition being treated and the severity of symptoms. For adults, the usual dose ranges from 20 to 40 mg. For children, the dose must be calculated by a pediatrician based on body weight.
Possible side effects
Common side effects of furosemide include diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, numbness, tingling, headache, dizziness, or blurred vision.
Other side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately. These include increased thirst, dry mouth, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nervousness, irritability, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, or muscle weakness.
Furosemide may also cause severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Emergency care should be sought without delay if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the throat, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face, hives, skin blistering, burning eyes, or a sore throat occur.
Who should not use it
Furosemide should not be used by people with an allergy to any of its ingredients.
It should also not be used by people who are breastfeeding, those with kidney failure accompanied by no urine output, those in pre-coma or coma caused by liver encephalopathy, those with low potassium or sodium levels, those who are dehydrated, or those with reduced blood volume.
During pregnancy, furosemide should only be used when recommended by an obstetrician because it can cross the placenta and reach the baby. In these cases, frequent monitoring of the baby’s development is required.