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Furosemide is a diuretic, often called a water tablet. It makes you pee more, which removes extra fluid from the body.

It is mainly used to treat oedema (fluid build-up and swelling), often in the legs, feet or hands, caused by:

• heart failure
• long-term kidney disease
• liver cirrhosis

It is sometimes used to treat high blood pressure.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. It is often a long-term medicine, and you may have regular blood tests.

• Take it at the same time each day. If once a day, take it in the morning; if twice, morning and late afternoon, so you are not up at night to pee.
• Swallow tablets with water. You can take it with or without food.
• Expect to need the toilet more often for a few hours after each dose.
• If you have vomiting, diarrhoea or a fever, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice, as you can become dehydrated.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due. Never take 2 doses together.

Common side effects include:

• peeing more often
• feeling thirsty, with a dry mouth
• dizziness or headache
• muscle twitches

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• signs of severe dehydration: peeing very little, dark pee, confusion or sunken eyes
• pain in your lower back or side, fever, blood in your pee or changes in how much you pee (possible kidney problems)
• blistering skin around the mouth, eyes or genitals with flu-like symptoms
• swelling of the face, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to furosemide or another diuretic
• have kidney or liver problems
• have diabetes or Addison's disease
• have, or have had, gout
• have low blood pressure

It can interact with many medicines, including other blood pressure medicines, digoxin, amiodarone, sotalol, some painkillers (NSAIDs), laxatives, lithium, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, and potassium supplements. Tell your pharmacist about everything you take.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: furosemide is not usually used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it can make dizziness and dehydration worse.

Driving: do not drive, cycle or use machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.

Fluids: ask your doctor how much you should drink each day.