Furosemide is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and retention of fluids. These conditions are typically the result of a disorder of a major organ, particularly the heart, kidney, or liver. Certain conditions may keep the organs from functioning effectively. This medication can cause some side effects that may be especially dangerous for a person with additional serious preexisting conditions. People who experience furosemide side effects are usually advised to contact a physician immediately.
One of the more common furosemide side effects is dehydration. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have a sufficient amount of fluids. If severe dehydration occurs, it can result in seizures, brain swelling, or death. The medication helps reduce fluid retention by causing the body to expel more urine than normal. To prevent dehydration associated with excess urination, a doctor may carefully monitor a patient’s liquid intakes to ensure he or she is consuming enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Another risk associated with furosemide is an allergic reaction. A person who experiences swelling of the mouth or face, trouble breathing, or itchy red patches of skin, is generally advised to seek immediate medical attention and stop taking the medication. If an allergic reaction is one of the furosemide side effects a person experiences, it could result in death if it is not treated promptly.
One of the more serious furosemide side effects is changes in the speed of the heartbeat. This side effect can be especially dangerous for people who suffer from heart conditions or are using the medication as a treatment for high blood pressure. It may cause the heart to beat much faster than normal or irregularly.
The medication can also cause other major symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. Severe side effects include pain in the muscles, nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth. It can also result in the loss of hearing, a yellowish skin color, or inexplicable bruises on the skin. These can all be signs that the body’s organs are not functioning properly and that the medication should be stopped.
Furosemide also has side effects that are not as serious. These more minor symptoms are things such as dizziness, headache, blurred vision, or stomachache. The medication can also result in irregular bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea. Although these effects are not usually considered life-threatening, a person may still be advised to consult s physician.
