Furosemide, like other loop diuretics, acts by inhibiting the luminal Na-K-Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, by binding to the chloride transport channel, thus causing more sodium, chloride, and potassium to stay in the urine.
Thus it increases urine excretion, which by turn decrease blood volume and finally blood pressure
Therapeutic Indications Of Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
To treat patients with high blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Also, used to treat water buildup in your body (edema) due to problems with your heart, kidneys, liver, or blood vessels.
Method Of Administration Of Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
Take as indicated by your doctor.
Take with a glass of water.
If you are taking this medicine once daily, take it in the morning.
The usual recommended dose is one or two tablets once daily.
Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.
Undesirable Side Effects Of Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Dehydration
Changes electrolyte levels in your blood
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Increased sensitivity to light
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears, deafness
Other side effects include: liver problems, muscle cramps, rash, inflammation of the pancreas, anemia, and stomach upset
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Blood Pressure
To measure blood pressure correctly:
Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
Empty your bladder before your reading.
Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.
Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing.
Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.
You will also find the following Non-Pharmacological treatments effective in blood pressure reduction:
Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Reduce sodium in your diet
Quit smoking
Reduce caffeine
Reduce your stress
Monitor your blood pressure at home using for example Beurer, Blood Pressure Monitor or Omron, Blood Pressure Measuring Device
See your doctor regularly
Warnings & Special Precautions while Taking Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
Talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions before taking this medicine including:
If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have heart problems.
If you have diabetes.
If you have low levels of protein in your blood.
If you have prostate problems.
If you have gout.
If you have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Furosemide interacts with a lot of medicines including:
Medicines that affect potassium levels in your blood
Medicines used to decrease blood pressure
Medicines for heart problems
Medicines for seizures
Medicines for diabetes
Certain muscle relaxants
Sucralfate: separate by two hours
Ethacrynic acid
Chloral hydrate
Lithium
Digoxin
Corticosteroids
Storage Conditions Of Fusix 40 Mg Tablets
Store below 25°c
Don’t refrigerate
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Normal Range
Normal: Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg
Elevated: is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.
Hypertension Stage 1: is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic.
Hypertension Stage 2: is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
Hypertensive crisis: This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.