Conditions such as cardiac arrests, renal disorders as well as hepatic ailments may lead to near-fatal or, at times, fatal outcomes. A medical condition called edema is closely linked to most of the aforesaid clinical conditions, which stems from a build-up of excessive fluids. Drugs such as furosemide work as a diuretic med; its chief function is to discharge fluids from your system. Elimination of salts such as sodium – along with extra fluids – can help decrease blood pressure level. A key side effect of taking furosemide is an increased output of urine. It is essential to know the likely use of this drug before starting your treatment.
Blood pressure is a unit that measures the force your system needs to push blood inside vessels. Frequent spells of high pressure can lead to fatal results – i.e., death, if left untreated. Hypertension can damage your blood vessels and also makes your heart muscles to work harder. Over a period of time, acute conditions such as renal diseases, myocardial infarction and hardened blood vessels (also known as atherosclerosis) may develop. Normal pressure reading fares at 120 over 80; the numerator is called systolic pressure and the denominator is referred to as diastolic pressure. When this measure reads 130 / 89 – it is labelled as stage 1 of hypertension. On the other hand, a measurement of 140 / 90 is called as stage 2 of hypertension. In some one-off cases, the readings may breach the 180 / 120 mark; this is categorized as a hypertensive crisis.
Intake of furosemide
This drug is taken for decreasing superfluous liquids from your body. The med is also used for reducing conditions such as shallow breathing, inflammation of limbs (arms or legs) and high blood pressure or hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs known as water pills (or, diuretics). These drugs aid in urination; during this process, your body gets rid of excessive salts and fluids.
This drug often forms part of a comprehensive treatment plan; this plan includes changes made to your diet, a weight loss oriented exercise plan, quitting of the use of tobacco-based products, avoiding excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, etc. As an added feature of this plan, you are advised to reduce stress levels and lead a relaxed way of life. Your treating physician as well as dietitian may advise intake of a low-salt diet. You may also be asked to take foods that are rich in potassium – such as bananas, raisins as well as orange juice. It is important to adhere to these instructions carefully.
Those with renal ailments or other kidney disorders are advised to tell their caregiver prior to starting your dosage plan. Especially, those who are living with conditions that involve inability to empty your bladder fully, your doctor needs to know of them. A few examples of this condition are high blood sugar, diabetes, lupus (of the systemic kind), gout, etc.
Intake of furosemide can trigger a few adverse reactions and undesired side effects. Commonly experienced side effects include blurring of vision, frequent urges to pee, migraines, indigestion or loose stools, etc. Most of these are minor in nature; also, these are likely to go off once your body gets used to key chemicals of this drug. In some rare cases, this med may cause a few acute side effects. If you encounter severe discomforts such as rashes on skin, ringing deep inside your ears or loss of sense of hearing, etc., you are advised to seek medical care in a healthcare setting.
In some cases, users of furosemide experienced various skin conditions such as rashes, excessive itchiness, discoloration of eyes or skin, formation of blisters, peeling of skin, etc. In a few stray instances, a small share of users encountered breathing problems – these may manifest as wheezing, gasping for breath or suffocating. Upon sensing any of these acute conditions, you need to consult with your treating physician without much delay.
Precautions associated with the intake of furosemide
Women who are pregnant must tell their treating doctor / pharmacist about their condition. As a safety measure, it is not a safe practice to get pregnant while you are taking this drug. Your doctor may recommend use of non-hormonal contraceptives (such as vaginal rings, skin patches or other birth control measures) to avoid getting pregnant amid your medication plan. The active ingredients of this drug may get into mother’s milk / breastmilk. Hence, nursing mothers are advised not to take this med. Infants who feed on such milk may experience spells of incessant crying, sleeping excessively or other feeding problems.
Those who are planning to go for a surgery or a dental intervention must tell their surgeon / dental caregiver about intake of furosemide. It is considered safe to stop taking this drug for at least 2 weeks during the run up to surgery. Furosemide can make you more sensitive to sunlight. As a precautionary measure, never step out of your home without wearing skin cream or protective clothing.
A small number of users took larger doses of furosemide – without telling their caregiver. Such practices are unsafe and may cause severe side effects like epileptic seizures, convulsions or fits, respiratory difficulties (gasping and / or wheezing), passing out as well as loss of coordination. People who took an overdose also experienced cramping of abdominal muscles, acute spells of thirstiness, other signs of dehydration – such as drying of mouth, parching of tongue / lips, etc. Upon experiencing one of more of these adverse side effects, you are advised to call 911 immediately. Those living in Canada may call a local poison control center or reach out to Health Canada as soon as you possibly can.
In sum, furosemide is consumed for reducing extra levels of fluids. It is categorized under a genre of meds called diuretics – also known as water pills. Furosemide is consumed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce blood pressure; this plan comprises a weight-loss plan, stopping your smoking habit or discontinuing the intake of alcohol, eating a less-sodium diet, etc. If you are living with renal conditions, tell their doctor of such ailments. Larger doses of furosemide may cause itchiness, blisters or breathing difficulties like gasping for breath. You are strongly advised to consult with your caregiver / pharmacist upon encountering any of these adverse side effects.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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