• Furosemide belongs to a family of medications known as loop diuretics
• Furosemide helps the body to get rid of excess fluid
• It is often prescribed to treat hypertension and fluid retention
• Taking furosemide can make you feel dizzy or nauseous, but this side effect is often mild and short-lived
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Having excess fluid in the body means that fluid can collect in the legs or lungs. This leads to swollen feet or ankles, or breathlessness and tiredness. The extra fluid can also increase the blood pressure to an unhealthy level.

Furosemide is a type of loop diuretic. Diuretics encourage the body to get rid of excess fluid via the kidneys into the urine. Getting rid of fluid (a process called diuresis) helps to reduce the blood pressure and reduces swelling or fluid retention in the body. For this reason, it is often prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure) and oedema (swelling or fluid retention). 

Sometimes furosemide is prescribed in combination with other medications to treat hypertension, heart disease, or liver disease.

Furosemide is a tablet that should be swallowed with some water. It is usually taken in the morning, as this helps avoid having to get up in the night to pass urine. 

Furosemide can be taken with or without food.

Furosemide is available in two different strength tablets, 20mg and 40mg.

A common starting dose for oedema or swelling is 40mg once a day, but this may be decreased or increased depending on your response to treatment.

For hypertension (high blood pressure), you may be prescribed 20mg to 40mg once or twice daily. If you are taking furosemide twice daily, it is usual to take the second dose in the early afternoon to prevent waking at night to pass urine.

Elderly patients and those with liver disease may start on a lower dose of furosemide at first.

Like all medications, furosemide can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Feeling dizzy, especially on standing up – it is wise to stand up slowly to avoid this
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Changes on blood testing.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Furosemide may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have any difficulties passing urine
• Have prostate problems
• Have kidney disease
• Have gout
• Have diabetes
• Have Addison’s disease
• Have been told you have low levels of potassium or sodium
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding – furosemide must not be taken when breastfeeding, and your doctor may choose a different medication if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Some medications can interact with furosemide. You may be advised that furosemide will not suit you if you already take:

• Other medications for heart disease or hypertension
• Antipsychotic medications
• Antidepressant medications
• Medications for an abnormal heart rhythm
• NSAID pain relief such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or ketorolac
• Lymecycline
• Antiepileptic medications
• Antifungal or antiviral medications
• Atomoxetine
• Ciclosporin
• Cisplatin
• Barbiturates
• Steroids
• Lithium
• Tacrolimus
• Theophylline
• Laxatives
• Warfarin
• Methotrexate
• Risperidone.

Can I buy Furosemide online?

You can safely buy Furosemide online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Furosemide is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Furosemide?

Yes, in order to purchase Furosemide you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.