Terry White Chemists Frusemide (frusemide) - Australia[澳大利亚药品]

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Terry White Chemists Frusemide (frusemide)

2015-01-30 16:57:52 来源: 作者: 【大中小】浏览:594次评论:0条

Contains the active ingredient, frusemide

Consumer Medicine Information

NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia. This page contains answers to some common questions about Terry White Chemists Frusemide. It does not contain all the information that is known about Terry White Chemists Frusemide. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you using this medicine against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you. If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Bookmark or print this page, you may need to read it again.

What this medicine is used for

The name of your medicine is Terry White Chemists Frusemide. It contains the active ingredient frusemide.

It is used to treat:

swelling of the ankles, feet and legs, which doctors call oedema

swelling of the stomach area due to liver disease

high blood pressure, which doctors call hypertension.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

How it works

Frusemide belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics. It works by making your kidneys pass more water and salt. This then helps reduce high blood pressure and some forms of swelling. It may be taken alone or in combination with other medicines.

Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body. Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.

There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems. You may feel fine and have no symptoms, but eventually hypertension can cause stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. Frusemide helps to lower your blood pressure.

There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.

Before you take this medicine

When you must not take it

Do not take this medicine if:

You have or have had any of the following:

low blood pressure or blood volume

low sodium or potassium levels in your blood

dehydration

certain kidney problems, e.g. no production or passing no urine

certain liver problems

You are breast-feeding.

Frusemide may pass into human breast milk.

The expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.

The packaging is torn, shows signs of tampering or it does not look quite right.

You are intolerant or allergic to lactose - these tablets contain lactose

You have had an allergic reaction to frusemide or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet or medicines called sulphonamides (e.g. "sulphur" antibiotics) or sulphonylureas (used to treat diabetes).

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin; fainting or hayfever-like symptoms

If you think you are having an allergic reaction, do not take any more of the medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at the nearest hospital.

Do not give frusemide to newborn babies.

Before you start to take it

Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor if:

1. You have allergies to:

any other medicines

any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.

2. You have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

diabetes mellitus

liver problems

heart and lung problems

kidney problems, including kidney stones

asthma

prostate problems

gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints

if you are on salt restricted diet

low blood pressure or blood volume

high cholesterol levels

passing less urine than is normal for you

difficulty passing urine

no production or no passing of urine

prostate problems

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys.

3. You are currently pregnant or you plan to become pregnant.

Do not take this medicine whilst pregnant unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

4. You are currently breast-feeding or you plan to breast-feed.

Do not take this medicine whilst breast-feeding

5 .You are planning to have surgery or an anaesthetic.

6. You are currently receiving or are planning to receive dental treatment.

7. You are taking or are planning to take any other medicines.

This includes vitamins and supplements that are available from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interact with frusemide. These include:

digoxin or other medicines used to treat heart failure

corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis

certain antibiotics (used to treat infections), especially cephalosporins and aminoglycosides

theophylline (used to treat some respiratory diseases such as asthma)

barbiturates, used to treat epilepsy, to produce calmness, or to help you sleep

chloral hydrate, used to produce calmness, or to help you sleep

insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes

lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression

certain other fluid tablets or diuretic medicines

medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery

medicines used in emergency situations such as adrenaline and noradrenaline

cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer

narcotic/strong pain killers such as codeine and morphine

phenytoin, used to treat epilepsy

medicines used during scans to see the images of your body

medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions, especially ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists

amphotericin, a medicine used to treat fungal infections

sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers

large amounts of laxatives (medicines for constipation)

carbenoxolone, used to treat ulcers of the mouth or oesophagus

risperidone, used to treat conditions which affect the way people think, feel or act

methotrexate, used to treat certain cancers, psoriasis and arthritis

probenecid, used to treat gout

cyclosporin, used for people who have had organ transplants

If you are taking any of these you may need a different dose or you may need to take different medicines.

Other medicines not listed above may also interact with frusemide.

How to take this medicine

Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Their instructions may be different to the information in this leaflet.

How much to take

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much of this medicine you should take. This will depend on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines.

For treating oedema, the usual starting dose is between 20mg and 80mg a day, taken as a single dose.

For treating blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 80mg, usually divided into 40mg twice a day. Your doctor will watch how you are doing and may change the dose to give you the best response.

When frusemide is taken with other medicines, the dose depends on your condition and what else you are taking.

Do not stop taking your medicine or change your dosage without first checking with your doctor.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets with a glass of water or other liquid.

When to take it

Take this medicine at the same time each day.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect and will also help you remember when to take it.

If you are taking a single dose a day, take it in the morning, for example before breakfast. If you are taking more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 2 pm, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Frusemide will increase the amount of water (urine) you pass and also the number of times you go to the toilet. By taking the last dose no later than 2 pm there may be less chance of your sleep being disturbed.

It is best if you take this medicine on an empty stomach - for example, at least half an hour before breakfast.

How long to take it for

If you have high blood pressure or swelling, frusemide helps to control the condition but does not cure it. Therefore, frusemide must be taken every day.

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

Make sure you have enough to last over weekends and holidays.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses.

This may increase the chance of you experiencing side effects.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints to help you remember.

If you take too much (overdose)

If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (Tel: 13 11 26 in Australia) for advice. Alternatively go to the Accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too many tablets, you will probably feel light-headed or dizzy, confused, dehydrated. You may also become very thirsty, confused, pass excessive urine or have a fast heart beat.

While you are taking this medicine

Things you must do

Tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine if:

you are about to be started on any new medicine

you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant (tell your doctor immediately)

you are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed (tell your doctor immediately)

you are about to have any blood or urine tests

you are going to have surgery or an anaesthetic or are going into hospital.

Tell your doctor if you have excessive vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking frusemide, or you have any of the following symptoms:

dry mouth or thirst

weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness

feeling confused or having problems seeing

stomach upset, or feeling or being sick

muscle pains or weakness or cramps

fainting

fast or unusual heart beat

passing less urine than normal

If you experience these symptoms, you may be dehydrated and/or suffering from low electrolyte levels because you are losing too much water or salts.

Make sure that you drink enough water during any exercise and during the hot weather, especially if you sweat a lot.

If you do not drink enough water while taking this medicine, you may feel faint or light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly and you are dehydrated. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.

Make sure to also keep an adequate intake of electrolytes, especially potassium sodium, calcium, magnesium - all found in fresh foods and in certain drinks.

Long-term frusemide therapy causes a fall in electrolyte levels in your body. However, having foods or drinks that are high in these electrolytes will help maintain normal levels in your body. Too much can, however, be harmful, therefore, it is important to discuss your diet with your doctor.

If you are taking frusemide for an extended period you should check with your doctor to see whether or not supplements (especially potassium) may be required. Your doctor will test your blood levels of these electrolytes.

Your doctor may occasionally do tests to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent side effects. Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you take this medicine.

Things you must not do

Do not:

Give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours

Take your medicine to treat any other condition unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to

Stop taking your medicine, or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Frusemide may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people, especially after the first few doses. This is because your blood pressure is falling suddenly. Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from beds or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.

Make sure you know how you react to frusemide before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.

If this occurs do not drive.

If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking frusemide. It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking frusemide.

Frusemide may cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. If this happens you should take care to wear protective clothing including a hat and sun block when you are outside.

Things that would be helpful for your blood pressure

Some self help measures suggested below may help your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.

Alcohol

Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.

Diet

Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and helps you get fitter, but it is important not to overdo it. Walking is a good exercise, but try to find a route that is fairly flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of program for you.

Smoking

Your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down.

Weight

Your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.

Possible side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking frusemide or if you have any questions or concerns.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious but most of the time they are not.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you.

This list includes the more common side effects. Mostly, these are mild:

nausea

weakness or tiredness

restlessness

drowsiness or lack of energy

fever

constipation

feeling dizzy or faint when moving from lying down to standing up

mild dizziness or light-headedness

headache

sore mouth

weight loss, loss of appetite

numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet

mild skin rash or itching

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following.

These may be serious side effects. You may need medical attention. Most of these side effects are rare.

vomiting or diarrhoea

very dry mouth or unusual thirst

blurred or impaired vision

unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin

muscle pain, spasms or cramps

confusion

kidney pain

irregular or fast heart beat

passing less urine than is normal for you

severe stomach pain, often with nausea or vomiting

severe dizziness or a spinning sensation

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar): feeling hungry, thirsty and/or frequent or excessive urination; sweet smelling breath

symptoms of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness and looking pale

often getting infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers

loss of control of your bladder or bowels (incontinence)

gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints

deafness or ringing in the ears

bruising or bleeding more easily than normal, nose bleeds

red, itching veins

If you experience any of the following, stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital.

These are very serious side effects and are usually very rare. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

chest pain

fainting or having a rapid, weak pulse

swelling or lumps in the lower leg

severe muscle spasms

any spots or severe skin reaction which turn into blisters and/or peeling of layers of skin. This may be accompanied by fever and chills, aching muscles and generally feeling unwell.

becoming unconscious

yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.

Allergic reactions

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to frusemide, do not take any more of this medicine and tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include some or all of the following:

cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body

rash, itching or hives on the skin

fainting

hayfever-like symptoms

Storage and disposal

Storage

Keep your medicine in its original packaging until it is time to take it.

If you take your medicine out of its original packaging it may not keep well.

Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature will stay below 30°C. Keep stored away from light and moisture.

Do not store your medicine, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking this medicine or it has passed its expiry date, your pharmacist can dispose of the remaining medicine safely.