1. Furosemide oral tablet is available as both a generic and a brand-name drug. Brand name: Lasix.
  2. Furosemide also comes in a that you take by mouth and an injectable solution that is given by a healthcare provider.
  3. It is used to treat high blood pressure. It’s also used to treat edema, which is swelling caused by fluid buildup in your body.

FDA warning: Liver function warning

  • This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients to drug effects that may be dangerous.
  • Furosemide is a strong diuretic (water pill) that helps your body get rid of excess water. It does this by increasing the amount of urine your body makes. If you take too much of this drug, it can lead to very low amounts of water and electrolytes in your body. This can cause dehydration. Your doctor will monitor your fluid levels and may change your dosage based on those levels.
  • Low blood pressure warning: This drug can cause low blood pressure. Symptoms include feeling dizzy and faint after standing up. If this occurs, move slowly when changing positions after sitting or lying down. If this problem continues, call your doctor.
  • Low potassium levels warning: This drug can cause low potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.) Symptoms include tiredness, muscle weakness, and nausea or vomiting. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms.
  • Low thyroid levels warning: High doses (over 80 mg) of furosemide can cause low levels of thyroid hormones. If you’re taking high doses of this drug and have symptoms of thyroid problems, call your doctor. These symptoms can include:
    • tiredness
    • weakness
    • weight gain
    • dry hair and skin
    • increased feelings of being cold

Furosemide oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lasix. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Why it's used

Furosemide is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat edema. This is swelling due to fluid buildup in the body. Edema can be caused by other medical conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disease.
Furosemide may be used as part of a combination therapy to treat high blood pressure. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

Furosemide belongs to a class of drugs called diuretics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Furosemide works by helping your body get rid of excess salt and water. It does this by increasing the amount of urine your body makes. This helps lower your blood pressure as well as reduce swelling.

Furosemide oral tablet may cause certain side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with furosemide include:
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • stomach cramping
  • feeling like you or the room is spinning (vertigo)
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • itching or rash
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
  • Excessive loss of water and electrolytes. Symptoms can include:
    • dry mouth
    • feeling of thirst
    • weakness
    • drowsiness
    • restlessness
    • muscle pains or cramps
    • urinating less
    • fast or abnormal heartbeat
    • severe nausea or vomiting
  • Low levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include:
    • tiredness
    • weakness
    • weight gain
    • dry hair and skin
    • increased feelings of being cold
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
    • pain when you eat or drink
    • severe nausea or vomiting
    • fever