Furosemide

Heart failure, fluid retention (oedema), and kidney disease. Also used for acute fluid overload.

Furosemide acts on the loop of Henle in the kidney, blocking the reabsorption of sodium, chloride and water. This produces a rapid, powerful diuresis -- in plain English, you'll pass a lot more urine for several hours after taking it.

Adults with heart failure, significant fluid retention, or certain kidney conditions. Your doctor will monitor your weight, fluid balance and blood tests closely.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Furosemide from £20.99 per pack.

Common: increased urination, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances (low sodium, potassium), muscle cramps, thirst. Uncommon: gout, raised blood glucose, rash. Spironolactone specifically: breast tenderness/gynaecomastia, menstrual irregularities.

Do not use in severe renal failure (except furosemide in some cases), Addison's disease (spironolactone), severe hyponatraemia or hypokalaemia, hepatic coma/precoma.

NSAIDs can reduce diuretic effect and increase renal risk. Risk of dangerously low potassium with other potassium-depleting drugs (except spironolactone which is potassium-sparing). Lithium levels may increase. ACE inhibitors: risk of first-dose hypotension.

Diuretics should generally be avoided in pregnancy - they reduce placental perfusion. Spironolactone is specifically contraindicated (anti-androgenic effects). Use only under specialist supervision if essential.

Take in the morning (to avoid being up all night). You'll need to pass urine more frequently for 4--6 hours after taking it. Blood tests for kidney function, sodium and potassium are essential. Can cause dehydration, dizziness and muscle cramps if fluid loss is excessive. Weigh yourself regularly -- your doctor may ask you to adjust the dose based on weight changes.