Furosemide

The Basics

What is Furosemide?

A potent loop diuretic that acts on the kidneys to ultimately increase water loss from the body.

Brand names for Furosemide

Lasix

How Furosemide is classified

Antihypertensive Agents, Loop Diuretics

Furosemide During Pregnancy

Furosemide pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Furosemide while pregnant

N/A

Taking Furosemide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Furosemide?

Because little information is available on the use of furosemide during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because little information is available on the use of furosemide during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Furosemide on milk supply

Furosemide 20 mg intramuscularly on the first postpartum day followed by 40 mg orally for 4 days has been used in conjunction with fluid restriction and breast binding to suppress lactation within 3 days postpartum.[2] The added contribution of furosemide to fluid restriction and breast binding, which are effective in suppressing lactation, is not known. No data exist on the effects of loop diuretics on established lactation.

Possible alternatives to Furosemide

Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide.