Furosemide
HeartAlso known as Lasix
Furosemide is the heavy-duty diuretic. Where hydrochlorothiazide gently sheds a little fluid, furosemide moves a lot, fast — which is why doctors reach for it when fluid is building up in the legs, belly, or lungs, usually from heart failure or kidney problems. Expect to urinate a lot within an hour or two of each dose. That's it working.
How to take it
When
Morning. If you take it twice a day, take the second dose by mid-afternoon so it doesn't ruin your sleep.
Food
With or without food.
Avoid
Getting dehydrated, and standing up too fast. Regular ibuprofen or naproxen can blunt it and strain your kidneys.
Daily habit
If your doctor asked you to weigh yourself daily, take it seriously — sudden weight gain means fluid is coming back, and catching it early keeps you out of the hospital.
Missed a dose?
Take it when you remember if it's still early in the day. If it's late afternoon or evening, skip it. Don't double up.
Common side effects
- Urinating a lot — plan your outings around doses
- Dizziness when standing up
- Low potassium — leg cramps are the common hint; your doctor will monitor blood tests
- Increased thirst
Call a doctor if
- Ringing in the ears or any change in hearing
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Very little urination despite taking it, or rapid swelling and weight gain
- Muscle cramps with a fluttering or irregular heartbeat