Patient was educated on contraindications for using Furosemide as follows:
- Liver disease
- Furosemide is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, this metabolism of Furosemide can suffer.
- This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects.
- Renal disease
- Furosemide is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
- Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete Furosemide normally.
- So, these drugs can stay in circulation for longer time and can be toxic.
- Drugs lowering potassium
- Furosemide use can result in hypokalemia.
- So, Furosemide cannot be given to patients who are on any other medications causing hypokalemia, such as, steroids and thiazide diuretics.
- Severe hypokalemia can occur leading to dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.
