Furosemide is a water tablet. It makes the kidneys remove excess salt and water, which relieves the fluid build-up of heart failure and some kidney and liver conditions. It works fast — within an hour — which is exactly why when you take it matters.
Removing excess fluid in heart failure, kidney disease and liver disease, and sometimes for high blood pressure. Signs it is working include less ankle swelling, easier breathing and weight loss.
Usually once daily in the morning. If you are on a twice-daily dose, take the second by early afternoon — taking it late means being up in the night.
It starts working within about an hour and the main effect lasts around six hours. Plan around being near a toilet after a dose.
Do not stop it because you are going out. If timing is a real problem, talk to us — there are usually practical solutions.
Many people are asked to weigh themselves daily; a rise of more than about 2kg over a couple of days can signal fluid building up and should be reported.
Furosemide affects salts in the blood, so you will have periodic blood tests for kidney function, potassium and sodium. Do attend them.
Report to your GP:
Gout can be triggered or worsened by diuretics.
Furosemide is usually paused during dehydrating illness — vomiting, diarrhoea, fever with heavy sweating. Ask for a sick day rules card.
Tell your prescriber about anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, lithium, digoxin, and other blood pressure medicines. Ibuprofen plus a diuretic plus an ACE inhibitor is a combination worth avoiding where possible.
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