Furosemide tablets 20 mg – patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

1. WHAT FUROSEMIDE TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR

Furosemide Tablets are one of a group of medicines called diuretics (water tablets). Your doctor has prescribed Furosemide Tablets to treat a condition called oedema where there is too much water in your body. This could be due to problems with your heart, kidneys, liver, blood vessels or high blood pressure. Furosemide helps your kidneys to get rid of extra water that is not needed in your body.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE FUROSEMIDE TABLETS

Do not take Furosemide Tablets if you:

! Are allergic to furosemide or any of the other

ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue

! Are allergic to amiloride, sulfonamides or

sulphonamide derivatives, such as sulfadiazine or cotrimoxazole

! Have a low blood volume or are dehydrated

(with or without accompanying low blood pressure)

! Have too little potassium or sodium in your

blood (shown in blood test)

! Have severe liver problems (cirrhosis) ! Have already taken Furosemide in the past to

treat failure to pass urine or kidney failure or if you have kidney failure that is due to medicines or chemicals that are prone to cause kidney or liver damage or if you have kidney failure due to underlying liver disorders

! Are not passing any water (urine) or have been

told by a doctor that you have kidney failure. In some types of kidney failure, it is still okay to have this medicine. Your doctor will be able to decide

! Have an illness called 'Addison's Disease'. This

can make you feel tired and weak or if you are taking digoxin, used to treat heart problems ! Have digitalis poisoning (feeling or being sick,

high levels of potassium in the blood, slow, fast or irregular heart beats)

! Take potassium supplements or potassium

sparing diuretics for high blood pressure (e.g. amiloride or spironolactone)

! Have a disease called porphyria characterised

by abdominal pain, vomiting or muscle weakness

! Are breast-feeding

! Are planning to undergo a procedure that

includes the use of radiocontrast (as taking furosemide with this may increase the risk for kidney damage).

Warnings and precautions:

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Furosemide Tablets if you:

! Are an elderly patient

! Are on other medicines which can cause a drop

in blood pressure

! Have other medical conditions that are risks for

a drop in blood pressure

! Have low blood pressure or feel dizzy when

you stand up

! Feel dizzy or dehydrated. This can happen if

you have lost a lot of water through being sick, having diarrhoea or passing water very often. It can also happen if you are having trouble drinking or eating

! Have low blood levels of essential minerals like

sodium or potassium or you have acid base imbalance in the body identified by blood tests ! Are taking digoxin, used to treat heart problems ! Are taking any other water tablets

! Are going to have a glucose test

! Are going to give this to a baby that was born

too early

! Have difficulty in passing water, for example

because of an enlarged prostate gland (males only)

! Have diabetes

! Have gout (characterised by painful joints due

to elevated uric acid levels)

! Have kidney or liver problems

! Have adrenal disease

! Have low blood protein levels as this may

reduce the effect of the drug and increase the risk of ear damage

! Have raised levels of calcium in the blood;

careful monitoring of fluids and electrolyte levels are recommended

! Have a risk of fall in blood pressure; or in case

of premature infants as they may be more prone to development of kidney stones

! Are already on medicines like NSAIDs (used

for inflammation and pain) or ACE inhibitors (medicines used to lower blood pressure) ! Are an elderly patient with dementia and are

also taking risperidone

! Laboratory monitoring: it is recommended to

undergo regular monitoring of blood levels for sodium, potassium, kidney function tests (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels), glucose, magnesium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate and uric acid.

! Regular monitoring is required to check for

occurrence of blood dyscrasias (abnormal or imbalance in blood components), liver damage or any symptom that may occur particularly to you.

Your doctor may monitor you and may take blood for testing while you are taking this medicine.

Other medicines and Furosemide Tablets

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Do not take this medicine and tell your doctor, if you are taking:

! Medicines which change the amount of

potassium in your blood. These include potassium supplements such as potassium chloride or certain water tablets (diuretics) such as triamterene or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride or spironolactone.

A large number of drugs can interact with furosemide which can significantly alter their effects. These drugs include:

! Medicines such as ramipril, enalapril,

perindopril (called 'ACE inhibitors') or losartan, candesartan, irbesartan (called 'angiotensin II receptor antagonists') or any renin inhibitors such as aliskiren. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your tablets or ask you to stop taking them

! Medicines such as tricyclic antidepressants,

hypnotics and anxiolytics (e.g. barbiturates and reboxetine)

! Medicines for high blood pressure or heart

problems (uneven heart beat) such as calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, clonidine, moxonidine, sodium nitroprusside, amiodarone, disopyramide, flecainide, minoxidil, lidocaine, prazosin, diazoxide, methyldopa, sotalol, tocainide and mexiletine

! Digoxin used to treat heart failure. Your doctor

may need to change the dose of your medicine ! Thymoxamine or Hydralazine used to lower

blood pressure

! Metolazone - medicine used to pass more urine ! Nitrates - used to lower blood pressure ! Lithium - used for mental illness

! Sucralfate - this drug may decrease the

absorption of furosemide

! NSAIDs - drugs used to treat pain and

inflammation (e.g. Indomethacin, Ketorolac) ! Salicylates (e.g. aspirin)

! Antibiotics such as trimethoprim and

cephalosporins

! Antibiotics belonging to class of

aminoglycosides, polymixins or vancomycin; as there may be a risk of ear or kidney damage ! Medicines used to treat depression (e.g. TCA

or MAOIs)

! Medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g.

Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)

! Anti-histamines (medicines used to treat

allergies)

! Anti-fungals (risk of potassium loss or renal

damage indicated with furosemide)

! Chloral hydrate or Triclorfos (drugs used to

treat anxiety)

! Drugs used to treat Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) like

amphetamines

! Steroids (used to treat inflammation) and any

Corticosteroids

! Liquorice; increased risk of loss of potassium

with furosemide

! Cisplatin - used to treat cancers (increased risk

of kidney damage with furosemide)

! Methotrexate - increase chance of furosemide

toxicity

! Levodopa - used to treat Parkinson's disease

(increased risk of lowering of blood pressure with furosemide)

! Medicines that modify immune system - (e.g.

Aldesleukin, tacrolimus or ciclosprorin) ! Medicines used as muscle relaxants like

baclofen, tizanidine or curare like drugs ! Birth control Pills or oestrogen containing drugs

may block the effect of furosemide if taken concurrently

! Progesterone containing drugs (drosperidone)

may lead to increased blood potassium levels if taken with furosemide

! Medicines such as alprostadil, used to treat

erectile dysfunction (impotency)

! Theophylline used for wheezing or difficulty in

breathing

! Probenecid used for treatment of gout ! Medicines used as general anaesthetics ! Laxatives - drugs used to relieve constipation ! Aminoglutethimide used to treat breast cancer ! Medicines for diabetes. These may not work as

well when you are taking Diuresal Tablets ! Medicines used for mental problems called

'psychoses', such as risperidone, amisulpride, sertindole, pimozide, phenothiazines and chlorpromazine. Avoid using pimozide at the same time as furosemide

! Medicines for asthma when given in high doses

such as salbutamol, terbutaline sulphate, salmeterol, formoterol or bambuterol ! Other water tablets (diuretics) such as

bendroflumethiazide. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medicine

! Medicines used as injections before x-ray

examinations (radiocontrast agent)

! Carbenoxolone - used to treat ulceration and

inflammation.

Furosemide Tablets with alcohol

Avoid alcohol when taking Furosemide Tablets as it may lead to excessive lowering of blood pressure.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Furosemide passes through the placenta and hence should not be given during pregnancy unless your doctor feels it is extremely necessary. If it is given in cases of swelling or water retention, the growth of the baby must be regularly monitored.

Breast-feeding

Furosemide passes into the milk and may inhibit secretion of milk. Hence it should be avoided in breast-feeding women.

Driving and using machines:

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel less alert, dizzy or have blurred vision after taking Furosemide Tablets.

Sodium content

Furosemide 20mg Tablets contain less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Furosemide Tablets contain lactose

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

3. HOW TO TAKE FUROSEMIDE TABLETS

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The recommended dose:

Adults:

The usual starting dose is 40mg in the morning; then 20mg a day or 40mg on alternate days. Up to 80mg may be given.

Elderly:

The dose may be reduced in this age group.

Use in children

1mg to 3mg/kg daily up to a maximum total dose of 40mg/day. A more suitable dosage form e.g. oral solution, may be appropriate.

If you take more Furosemide Tablets than you should

This medicine is to be taken at regular intervals, as determined by the physician. If you take too many tablets by mistake contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Take your tablet pack with you.

Taking too many Furosemide Tablets may make you feel confused, unable to focus, show a lack of emotion or interest in anything. You may also have dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (due to low blood pressure), uneven heartbeat, muscle weakness or cramps and blood clots (signs include pain and swelling at the part of body that is affected). You may also have problems with your kidneys or blood.

If you forget to take Furosemide Tablets

If you have forgotten to take a dose, leave out that dose completely. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have trouble remembering to take you tablets, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

If you stop taking Furosemide Tablets

Keep taking Furosemide Tablets until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking Furosemide Tablets just because you feel better.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you have any of the following side effects while taking your medicine tell your doctor immediately or go to hospital straight away:

! Allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash with

severe itching and nettle rash, fever, allergic to light, severe allergic reaction with (high) fever, red patches on the skin, joint pain and/or inflammation of the eyes, "acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)" (acute febrile drug eruption) characterised by severe acute (allergic) reaction accompanied by fever and blisters on the skin/peeling skin and tiny spots from bleeding in the skin

! Sudden inflammation of the pancreas

accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen, shifting towards the back ! Any unexplained bruising or bleeding, fever,

sore throat, mouth ulcers. This could be a sign of low blood counts, agranulocytosis ! Signs of kidney inflammation e.g. pain in sides,

blood in urine.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects:

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

! Blurred vision

! Lowering of blood pressure, resulting in

impaired concentration and reactions, lightheadedness

! A feeling of pressure in the head, headache,

dizziness, drowsiness, a feeling of weakness, visual disturbances, dry mouth and an inability to stand upright, sensitivity to light

(photosensitivity)

! Feeling of tiredness

! Dry mouth, thirst, disturbances of bowel like

diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting

! Raised blood levels of creatinine and urea ! Deafness (sometimes irreversible)

! Irregular heart rate.

Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

! Abnormal blood count (white blood cell

deficiency) accompanied by an increased susceptibility to infection

! Increase in certain substances (eosinophilic

cells) in the blood

! A crawling sensation on the skin, itching or

tingling without any reason

! A life-threatening form of unconsciousness ! Acute kidney failure

! Hearing disorders and ringing in the ears.

These disorders are usually temporary in nature

! Inflammation of a blood vessel

! Shock (severe drop in blood pressure, extreme

paleness, restlessness, weak fast pulse,

clammy skin, impaired consciousness) as a result of a sudden severe dilation of the blood vessels due to allergy to certain substances

! Fever

! Muscle aches

! Inability to control urination

! Increased urine production may occur or worsen if you have a urinary tract infection

! If you have a bladder disorder, enlarged prostate or narrowing of the ureters, urine production can stop suddenly

! Minor mental disturbances.

Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people

! Anaemia (a condition characterised by shortage of red blood cells)

! Very severe blood abnormality (white blood cell deficiency) accompanied by a sudden high fever, severe throat pain and ulcers in the mouth.

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

! Certain liver function disorders or increase in certain liver enzymes

! Furosemide can cause an excessive depletion of bodily fluids (e.g. passing urine more often than normal) and minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium). Symptoms that can occur are thirst, headache, confusion, muscle cramps, increased irritability of the muscles, muscular weakness, heart rhythm disturbances and gastrointestinal problems such as sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit, or diarrhoea ! Metabolic acidosis characterized by chest pain, irregular heart beat, headache, feeling sick, vomiting, abdominal pain, altered appetite and weight gain, muscle weakness, bone pain and joint pain

! If you have a shortage of sodium (sodium deficiency):

, cramp in the calf muscles

, loss of appetite

, listlessness

, feeling of weakness

, dizziness

, drowsiness

, confusion

! If you have a shortage of potassium (potassium deficiency):

, muscular weakness and inability to contract one or more muscles (paralysis) , increased excretion of urine

, heart problems

! In the case of severe potassium deficiency:

, interference with the function of the intestine or confusion, which can result in coma

! If you have a shortage of magnesium and calcium (magnesium and calcium deficiency): , increased irritability of the muscles , heart rhythm disturbance

! During treatment with furosemide, the blood levels of some fats (cholesterol and triglyceride) may rise, but usually return to normal within 6 months

! In the elderly, this can lead to a low blood volume, fluid depletion and thickening of the blood. This can cause clots to form in the blood ! Dizziness, fainting and loss of consciousness

(caused by symptomatic hypotension).

Additional side effects in children

! Increased risk or persistence of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants

! Kidney stones in premature babies.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. HOW TO STORE FUROSEMIDE TABLETS

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label or carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Blister: Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.

Securitainer: Store in a cool dry place and protect from light.

In case of any visible signs of deterioration, you should discard the package.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION

What Furosemide Tablets contain:

Furosemide 20mg and 40mg Tablets contain the active substance furosemide 20mg and 40mg respectively in each tablet.

The other ingredients are: lactose (see section 2), maize starch, magnesium stearate, pregelatinised starch, talc, microcrystalline cellulose.

What Furosemide Tablets look like and contents of the pack

Furosemide 20mg Tablets are white, round, biconvex tablets plain on one side and scored with a F20 on the other side, average diameter is 6.3 mm with 3.0 mm thickness.

Furosemide 40mg Tablets are white, round, biconvex tablets plain on one side and scored with a F40 on the other side, average diameter is 8.0 mm with 3.4 mm thickness.

The 20mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 28 tablets and securitainers containing 28, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 tablets.

The 40mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 28 tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Ennogen Pharma Limited,

Unit G4, Riverside Industrial Estate,

Riverside Way, Dartford, DA1 5BS. UK.

This leaflet was last revised in October 2021.

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