Furosemide

(fyoor OH se mide)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug is a strong water drug. Sometimes too much water and major elements (potassium) in the blood may be lost. Your doctor will watch your child closely to change the dose to match his/her body's needs.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to furosemide or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If your child has a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with the doctor.
• Not if your child has trouble passing urine.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to get rid of extra fluid.
• It is used to treat high blood pressure.
• It is used to help a weak heart.

How is this drug given?

• Give early in the day to stop sleep problems.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Have your child follow the diet and workout plan your child's doctor told you about.
• Oral:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (solution) if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Infants:
• Before giving any drug, your infant needs to be awake and alert. Hold your infant in your lap or put him/her in an infant seat.
• Do not put this drug in your infant's bottle.
• It may be mixed with 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 mL) of breast milk or formula.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It starts to work within 2 hours and lasts up to 12 hours.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Oral:
• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Infants:
• If your infant throws up after taking this drug, talk with the doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Do not run out of this drug.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch his/her blood sugar closely.
• Have your child's blood pressure and heart rate checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Avoid giving your child other drugs and natural products that may slow your child's actions.
• Your child may need extra potassium. Talk with the doctor.
• Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Headache.
• Belly pain. Infant may pull legs to belly and cry.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• More wet diapers.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Dry mouth. Good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy. Have your child see a dentist often.
• Hearing loss. This can be long-lasting.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of low potassium.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has swelling in his/her legs or belly.
• If your child has a change in hearing.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child does not wet his/her diapers.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Oral:
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Shot:
• The shot will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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