Furosemide, by Aventis.

Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

This medication also reduces swelling/fluid retention (edema) which can result from conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can help to improve symptoms such as trouble breathing.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Measure out the prescribed dose carefully using the dropper or device that comes with your prescription. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, doses greater than 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight are not recommended.

If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) of the day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Sucralfate, cholestyramine, and colestipol can decrease the absorption of furosemide. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from furosemide by at least 2 hours.

If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, a severe decrease in amount of urine, or severe weakness.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney and liver function tests, uric acid, cholesterol level, blood mineral levels such as potassium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor how to monitor your own blood pressure.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

This is a very potent medication. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you are closely monitored by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you become very thirsty or confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness while taking this medication.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may lead to excessive loss of body water and minerals (including potassium). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss:

• muscle cramps or weakness
• confusion
• severe dizziness
• drowsiness
• unusual dry mouth or thirst
• nausea or vomiting
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• unusual decrease in the amount of urine
• fainting
• seizures

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.