Furosemide for weight loss: is losing 2-3 kg worth such sacrifices? List of side effects and complications

How does the drug work and will it help you lose weight?

Furosemide is a fairly popular and frequently prescribed drug that has an excellent diuretic effect (drugs in this category are usually called diuretics). It has this effect due to direct interference with the kidneys: under the influence of Furosemide, they stop absorbing water and absorbing magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and chlorine .

Thus, water and the above substances are simply eliminated from the body. As a rule, this drug is prescribed for edema caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver cirrhosis, hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, etc.

That is, the direct purpose of Furosemide is to remove excess fluid that has arisen due to any anomaly in the functioning of the organs and systems of the body. Unfortunately, it does not in any way affect the volume of adipose tissue, and therefore can help you lose weight only if the excess weight and volume are a consequence of swelling . If you do not have such a problem, the drug will simply begin to remove from the body tissues the water that is extremely important for its full functioning.

The result of the “work” of Furosemide, which is its great advantage, is visible almost instantly: within a few hours after taking it, you will notice how the number on your scales begins to change towards a decrease (in this way, you can lose up to three kilograms of weight in a day). However, we repeat, weight will decrease due to lost fluid, while fat deposits will remain in place.

If you did not experience swelling as such, and the lost fluid (and with it the weight) was the result of “drying” of the tissues, then everything will return to its place as soon as you stop taking the drug.

Contraindications

It is prohibited to take the medicine for the following conditions:

• allergic reaction to the drug;
• kidney dysfunction (cessation of urine production naturally);
• deficiency of potassium and sodium;
• hepatic encephalopathy;
• threat of hepatic coma;
• acute glomerulonephritis;
• diabetes;
• dehydration;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period.

The use of any diuretic tablets without solid indications is not recommended.

Compound

Furosemide is currently presented on the domestic pharmaceutical market in several dosage forms: tablets, granules and liquid for injection. All of the above forms are invariably based on the active ingredient of the same name - furosemide (only it is presented in different dosages) and auxiliary components.

We propose to consider in more detail the composition of the most popular dosage form of Furosemide - tablets. 1 such tablet contains 40 mg of active ingredient, as well as: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, corn starch, polyethylene glycol, povidone and lactose .

Side effects

As already mentioned, Furosemide does not burn fat, but only quickly removes fluid from the body, so frequent use of the drug is not recommended. Constant use of a diuretic can have a negative effect on the body:

• dehydration;
• “washing out” useful substances from the body: calcium, magnesium, etc.;
• immediately after taking the pills, the “lost” kilograms may return;
• Taking Furosemide can cause headaches, muscle cramps and other serious health problems.

Admission rules

If you decide to start taking a diuretic for weight loss, be sure to take into account the following rules:

• Adequately assess the situation . Answer yourself the question: is the reason for the increase in the volume of your body really due to stagnation of water in the body? Remember: taking Furosemide without excess (excess!) liquid can cause significant harm.
• Seek advice from a specialist. The word “specialist” does not mean a friend or a blogger from a social network, but a doctor who can carry out an examination, competently assess the situation and prescribe the correct dosage of the drug if necessary.

• Listen to your body . Please note that Furosemide has a considerable number of side effects, and therefore, when you start taking it, be sure to take into account any oddities in the functioning of the organs and systems of your body (excessive irritability, tremors of the limbs, skin rashes, increased heart rate, etc.) .
• Reduce the amount of salt you consume to a minimum , or better yet, eliminate it altogether. Excessive salt consumption while taking diuretics can lead to dehydration.

• Increase fluid intake to 2 – 3 liters per day (

Additional Tips

If you still decide to use Furosemide as a means of losing weight, try to follow a few recommendations that will help reduce the level of danger.

1. Some diseases and conditions are not listed as contraindications, but when losing weight on this drug, they may worsen. Therefore, you need to be as careful as possible and listen to any changes in the body in order to avoid unpleasant consequences. These include severe cardiovascular failure, long-term therapy with cardiac glycosides, old age, and atherosclerosis.
2. It is advisable to see a doctor and undergo regular tests to monitor the level of urea, electrolytes, and carbonates. This will allow you to stop in time.
3. It is believed that Furosemide has an effect on the central nervous system, reducing performance and attention. This is especially important for drivers and people associated with precise calculations and mechanisms.
4. If a day after taking the drug the amount of urine excreted has not increased, this does not mean that the dosage needs to be increased. On the contrary, the use of the drug is canceled and, if possible, a medical examination is performed.
5. To prevent dehydration, it is necessary to minimize salt intake on the days of taking Furosemide.
6. Drink more water: increase the daily dosage to 2.5-3 liters.
7. The tablets are stored in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of no more than 25 °C.

Carefully monitor the condition of your body. The slightest ailment - and you need to force yourself to stop, no matter how much you like the results.

As an alternative, consider diuretic herbs.

Analogues. Instead of powerful and harmful synthetic diuretics, it is better to use diuretic folk remedies. To do this, it is enough to include in your diet foods such as oats, celery, beets, carrots, cranberry or lemon juice, black coffee without sugar, watermelons, melons, green tea.

How to use

In order to know for sure what regimen and in what quantities you need to take Furosemide, you must definitely visit a nutritionist or therapist, who will definitely take into account when prescribing:

• Your age;
• presence of evidence;
• general clinical picture.

As a rule, the initial “adult” dose of this drug varies from 20 to 80 mg per day (the maximum permissible daily dose is 1500 mg per day). The drug can be taken either once or divided into 2 doses.

Also, continuing the topic of how to take Furosemide correctly (including for weight loss), it should be noted that in their reviews, many doctors recommend its simultaneous use with the potassium-containing drug Asparkam, which ensures the full functioning of the cardiovascular system . In some cases, it is even recommended to start taking Asparkam several days earlier than Furosemide.

Instructions for use for excess weight, dosage

Furosemide (taking diet pills is dangerous) should be taken carefully, listening to the body's reactions. If any deterioration is observed, the drug should be stopped.

To begin with, the dose should be small. It is enough to take 2-3 tablets during the day with an interval of 3 hours between doses. Then you need to take a daily break and, if necessary, repeat the procedure. It is better to take the medicine together with Asparkam tablets (more details later in the article).

Drug interactions

When taking Furosemide simultaneously with certain medications, the following undesirable reactions are possible:

• with cephalosporins – the risk of toxic kidney damage increases;
• with aminoglycosides – the risk of negative effects on hearing increases;
• with Insulin and hypoglycemic drugs - there is a possibility of reducing their effectiveness;
• with beta-agonists – hypokalemia increases;
• with Phenytoin – the effect of Furosemide is weakened;
• with Indomethacin – the effect of Furosemide is weakened;
• with Astemizole – the risk of arrhythmia increases;

• with ACE inhibitors – possible increase in blood pressure;
• with Colestipol - the effect of Furosemide is weakened;
• with Lithium carbonate – its therapeutic effect is enhanced;
• with Digitoxin – possible intoxication of the body;
• with Cisplatin – the risk of negative effects on hearing increases;
• with Cisapride - an exacerbation of hypokalemia may occur.

general characteristics

Furosemide is a potent diuretic drug. The medicine provides a diuretic effect. When taken orally or parenterally, its effect is enhanced.

A remedy is prescribed to completely remove or reduce swelling caused by organ pathologies:

• liver;
• kidney;
• hearts.

They treat swelling of the brain and internal organs. In some cases, it is prescribed to lower blood pressure. With long-term use of the drug, health deteriorates, and sudden refusal of it increases swelling by 2 times.

Reviews of those losing weight

Natalya: “Girls, I once listened to my unfortunate friend and decided to take these pills in order to slightly adjust the volume. Naturally, I didn’t go to the doctor and started taking Furosemide for weight loss, not really knowing how or what, having read recommendations on the Internet. I took these pills every other day. My weight fluctuated like crazy: sometimes minus 3 kilograms, sometimes plus 3 kilograms. As a result, I got to the point where, without taking Furosemide, I actually started to swell and my kidneys began to hurt. That's when I finally had to meet with the doctor. Don’t play with fire, these pills are not for weight loss!”

Oksana: “For me personally, Furosemide is a drug with which you can fit into a tight dress on the eve of an important event. Yes, the volumes really decrease thanks to it, but the next day everything comes back. So don't be fooled. No one has yet come up with a panacea for losing weight.”

Lyudmila: “I also started taking this drug according to the “every other day” regimen. Already after the 3rd tablet, my legs began to swell greatly. Thank God that everything returned to normal after I stopped taking the pills. After I read on the Internet stories of girls who tried to lose weight on Furosemide, I realized that I had gotten off lightly. After all, it could all end in a hospital bed.”

Reviews from doctors and specialists

Doina Sergei, cardiologist: “My hair stands on end when I hear that someone dreams of losing weight by taking a diuretic! My dears, this is not only a useless idea, but also extremely dangerous! Even short-term use of such drugs without indications “sits” the heart, causes disruptions in the nervous system, etc. Don’t risk your health.”

Evgeniya Karasenko, nutritionist: “Yes, indeed Furosemide is famous for the fact that as a result of its intake, body volumes instantly decrease. But this is a short-term phenomenon (unless you really suffer from swelling). Not only can taking this drug without proper indications cause harm to the body, it is also addictive. And subsequently, without Furosemide, you will really begin to swell, because the body relaxes and simply “forgets” about the function assigned to it to remove fluid from the body.”

Maskal Valery, therapist: “I know several cases when girls ended up in a hospital bed after independently “prescribing” and taking Furosemide. This drug is strictly forbidden to be taken without a doctor's prescription! And I would even prohibit selling it in pharmacies without a prescription! Before using Furosemide for weight loss, look at its instructions for use and see how many contraindications and features it has for use. You cannot, I repeat, you cannot accept it thoughtlessly!”

Is it possible to lose weight with Furosemide?

Furosemide (doctors do not recommend taking diet pills) can be a fast-acting and effective means of reducing body volume. The main effect of the medicine is to remove accumulated fluid from soft tissues.

There are many reasons for the accumulation of fluid and the development of edema:

• drinking alcohol in large quantities;
• salty foods in the diet;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• diseases of internal systems.

There can be from 2 to 5 liters of excess fluid in the body. The expected result after taking the tablets will be noticeable within a few days. This method of losing weight can cause more harm than good to the body. Furosemide removes excess fluid, but does not burn fat or tone muscles. Therefore, the effect will not last long.

Video about using diuretic tablets for weight loss

This video discusses all the pros and cons of taking diuretics for weight loss, including the drug Furosemide, and also includes reviews from those who have lost weight this way.

What is your opinion regarding losing weight in this way? Would you do this? Leave comments about this. Read also about other ways to lose weight: for example, by drinking smoothies, through hypnosis or regular swimming.

Author of the publication

Price of Furosemide tablets

The cost of the drug is low, so the product is available to every buyer. The medicine is sold in any pharmacy, as it is included in the list of basic means for helping patients. Below is a table of approximate prices in regional cities of Russia.