Frusemide

Frusemide belongs to a class of medications called Diuretics. It works on your kidneys to get rid of extra water and salts in your body.

This medication is used to remove excess fluid from your body. This will decrease the pressure on the blood vessels and allow the heart to work less hard. Hence, it may also be used to treat high blood pressure.

• Do not stop taking your medication without first checking with your healthcare professional.
• If you are taking one dose a day, take it in the morning. If you are taking the medication two times a day, take the second dose before 4pm so that you do not need to wake up often at night to pass urine.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are allergic to any other medications, especially sulfonamide medicines (e.g. Bactrim)
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have any problems with the way your kidneys work
• You have gout

Some side effects may include:

• Passing urine more often, dry mouth, increased thirst
  • Too much water loss may result in dehydration. Inform your doctor if you are always feeling thirsty, tired, or you have muscle cramps.
  • Drinking excessive amounts of water to replace your water loss or because you feel thirsty may lead to your heart condition becoming worse. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the amount of fluids you may take each day.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
• Affect your mineral levels in your blood
  • This medication may cause potassium loss. Inform your healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of excessive potassium loss such as weakness/ tiredness, muscle cramps, loss of appetite or irregular/ fast heart beat

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw away all expired medications.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.