Diuretic (water tablet)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Furosemide is a strong water tablet (diuretic) that helps your body get rid of excess water and salt by making you urinate more, which helps reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.
Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle by blocking the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, thereby increasing urinary excretion of water and electrolytes to reduce fluid volume and lower blood pressure.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For swelling, the usual adult dose is 20mg to 80mg (one to two 40mg tablets) taken once in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose depending on your response. For high blood pressure, it is usually 40mg to 80mg daily. Take it in the morning so the frequent urination does not disturb your sleep at night. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it is already late in the afternoon or evening, skip it and take your next dose the following morning. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
Buy only from licensed pharmacies — furosemide from roadside sellers or open markets may be fake or expired. Because this drug makes you urinate a lot, drink enough water and eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and oranges to avoid dangerous drops in potassium. Do not share your prescription with others even if they have similar swelling — the dose must be set by a doctor.
Avoid taking furosemide with other blood pressure medicines without your doctor's knowledge as your BP may drop too low. If you are taking digoxin (a heart medicine), furosemide can increase the risk of dangerous side effects by lowering your potassium levels. Alcohol can worsen dizziness and dehydration when combined with furosemide, so limit or avoid alcohol.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Furosemide with your other drugs?
Furosemide is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically prescribes it, as it can affect the baby and passes into breast milk.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Keep the tablets in their original pack and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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