FDA approves furosemide to treat fluid buildup and high blood pressure.

The FDA has approved furosemide, a loop diuretic, to treat edema (fluid buildup) in adults and children with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease including nephrotic syndrome. It is also approved to treat high blood pressure in adults, either alone or with other blood pressure medicines. Furosemide works by helping the kidneys remove extra fluid and salt from the body. This approval is for a drug that has been used for many years, so it is not a new treatment. Instead, it confirms the drug's safety and effectiveness for these specific conditions. The approval means that doctors can continue to prescribe furosemide for these uses with confidence. However, because furosemide is a strong diuretic, it can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if not dosed correctly. Patients should always take this medicine exactly as prescribed and talk to their doctor about any side effects or concerns. The goal is to use the smallest effective dose to get the best results with the fewest risks.