Sometimes you may have noticed that due to conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, the body retains water and swells the legs, hands, and face. Furosemide is a special, fast-acting injection that doctors use in such cases. This is a drug that is often used in hospitals and in emergency situations. So if you or someone you know is being given this injection, it is very important to understand it simply.
What is this Furosemide injection?
Simply put, this is a shot that works like a 'water pill'. But it works faster and more powerfully than a pill. In medicine, we call this a 'diuretic' type of drug.
The main function of this is to stimulate your kidneys and expel the excess water and salt from your body through urine very quickly. When the excess fluid is removed from your body in this way, the burden on your heart decreases, blood pressure is controlled, and the swelling mentioned earlier gradually disappears.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this vaccine, the doctor will ask you about your health conditions. It is very important that you tell him exactly what you are doing at that time, without hiding it. This is for your own safety. Especially if you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell him about them.
- If you have diarrhea or vomiting .
- If you have gout .
- If you have other heart conditions.
- If previous tests have found that the levels of minerals, i.e. electrolytes , such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium in the blood are low or high.
- Kidney disease , low urine output, or difficulty urinating.
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have thyroid disease .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you have an allergy to furosemide, sulfa medications , or any other medicine, food, or dye.
Sharing this information with your doctor is essential to ensure that you receive safe treatment.
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection that is given into a vein or into a muscle. So it will be given to you by medical staff in a hospital or clinic .
For young children, even very newborns, the doctor may recommend this vaccine in special cases. But it is done very carefully and under strict medical supervision.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
When you are given this vaccine, the medical staff will be watching you closely, but it is good for you to be aware of these things too.
- Keep an eye on your blood pressure: Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly, as recommended.
- Special for people with diabetes: This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
- Do not let your body become dehydrated: Since this medicine causes rapid loss of water from your body, there is a high chance of dehydration. Therefore, ask your doctor about the amount of water you should drink per day. If you are sweating excessively, have diarrhea, or vomit, inform him immediately.
- Dizziness and fainting: Some people may feel a little dizzy or faint when they stand up after taking this medication. Therefore, be careful when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can make this condition worse.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, furosemide can cause some side effects. Some of these require immediate attention, while others are usually not serious.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Hearing loss | Hearing a 'ringing' sound in the ears or hearing loss. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst or frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased potassium levels | Muscle cramps or pain, unusual tiredness, irregular heartbeat, constipation. |
| 🙂 Things that are usually not serious, but need to be said if they persist | |
| General dizziness/headache | These may disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Numbness in the limbs | Burning or tingling sensation in the hands or feet. |
| Constipation or diarrhea | It may be caused by effects on the digestive system. |
Take-Home Message
- Furosemide is a powerful injection that is given only in a hospital to reduce swelling in the body.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have (especially sulfa allergies, kidney disease).
- Avoid dehydration while taking the medication. Drink as much fluids as your doctor tells you to.
- If you experience anything serious, such as dizziness, fainting, allergic symptoms, or hearing loss, notify the medical staff immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor. It is your right to be informed about your health.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න