UREMIDE®20
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I taking UREMIDE 20?
UREMIDE 20 contains the active ingredient furosemide. It is used to help reduce the excess fluid in the body. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I taking UREMIDE 20? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I take UREMIDE 20?
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you have ever had an allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfonamides (e.g. 'sulfur antibiotics'), sulfonylureas or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I take UREMIDE 20? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with UREMIDE 20 and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I take UREMIDE 20?
Take the tablets on an empty stomach and with a glass of water. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take UREMIDE 20? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while taking UREMIDE 20?
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Things you should do |
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Things you should not do |
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Things to be careful of |
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Driving or using machines |
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Drinking alcohol |
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Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while taking UREMIDE 20? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Very serious side effects may include sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), lockjaw, fainting or a rapid, weak pulse. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
UREMIDE®20
Active ingredient: furosemide
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about taking UREMIDE 20. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using UREMIDE 20.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking UREMIDE 20?
UREMIDE 20 contains the active ingredient furosemide. UREMIDE 20 belongs to a family of medicines called diuretics. A diuretic helps reduce the amount of excess fluid in the body by increasing the amount of urine produced.
UREMIDE 20 is used to treat swelling of the ankles, feet, legs or even the brain or lungs.
This swelling is called oedema and can occur in some heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions.
UREMIDE 20 may be used in some people with more serious kidney problems who may have some fluid retention.
UREMIDE 20 may also be used to lower high blood pressure (which is also called hypertension).
Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps move your blood around your body. Your blood pressure may vary 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.
If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
UREMIDE 20 may be taken alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.
Your doctor may have prescribed UREMIDE 20 for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.
2. What should I know before I take UREMIDE 20?
Warnings
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you:
- are allergic to furosemide, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
- are allergic to medicines called sulfonamides (e.g. some types of antibiotics which are also referred to as 'sulfur antibiotics') or sulfonylureas which are medicines which can be used to treat diabetes.
Your doctor will know which medicines are sulfonamides or sulfonylureas.
- have allergies to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
- have certain kidney problems
- have no production or no passing of urine
- have low blood pressure (hypotension)
- have low sodium levels in your blood
- have low potassium levels in your blood
- have dehydration
- have certain liver problems
- have hepatic coma or precoma
- have jaundice or history of jaundice in newborns or infants.
Check with your doctor if you have:
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- heart problems
- high cholesterol levels
- asthma
- diabetes
- gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
- been passing less urine than is normal for you
- difficulty passing urine
- no production of urine
- prostate problems
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
- any other medical conditions or take any medicines for any other condition.
Tell your doctor if you are on a salt restricted diet.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take UREMIDE 20.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you are pregnant.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. UREMIDE 20 is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. If there is a need to consider UREMIDE 20 during your pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are pregnant.
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
The active drug, furosemide, passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your baby may be affected.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with UREMIDE 20 and affect how it works. These include:
- certain antibiotics, especially some cephalosporins and aminoglycosides
- amphotericin B, a medicine used to treat fungal infections
- sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers
- barbiturates, medicine used to treat epilepsy, to produce calmness, or to help you sleep
- anticonvulsant medicines such as chloral hydrate or phenytoin
- lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
- risperidone, an antipsychotic medication
- corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
- narcotic/strong pain killers such as codeine and morphine
- methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
- probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
- cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
- insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
- certain other fluid tablets or diuretic medicines
- medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions, especially ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists
- digoxin and other medicines used to treat heart failure
- medicines used in emergency situations such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
- medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery
- medicines used during scans to see the images of your body
- theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
- levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat thyroid conditions.
Do not take large amounts of laxatives while you are taking UREMIDE 20.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect UREMIDE 20.
4. How do I take UREMIDE 20?
How much to take
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
They will tell you exactly how much to take.
Follow the instructions they give you. If you take the wrong dose, UREMIDE 20 may not work as well and your problem may not improve.
When to take UREMIDE 20
UREMIDE 20 tablets are usually taken once or twice a day.
Take UREMIDE 20 tablets on an empty stomach. For example, one hour before food or two hours after food. Food can interfere with the absorption of UREMIDE 20 tablets.
Take the tablets with a glass of water.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
If your doctor prescribes UREMIDE 20 tablets to be taken once a day, it is best done in the morning, for example, before breakfast.
If you are taking UREMIDE 20 tablets more than once a day, take your first dose immediately before breakfast and take your last dose around 2:00 pm (on an empty stomach), unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
UREMIDE 20 may increase the amount of urine you pass; it will also increase the number of times you need to go to the toilet. By taking your last dose around 2:00 pm, there may be less chance that your sleep is disturbed.
How long to take it
Oedema:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your condition and lowers the fluid build-up in your body.
Hypertension:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your blood pressure, but it does not cure it.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to take the medicine for.
If you forget to take UREMIDE 20
UREMIDE 20 should be taken regularly at the same time each day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
If there is still a long time to go before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for hints.
If you take too much UREMIDE 20
If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much UREMIDE 20, urgent medical attention may be needed. If you take too much UREMIDE 20, you may feel confused, dehydrated, dizzy or you may pass excessive urine.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26 in Australia) for advice, or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while taking UREMIDE 20?
Things you should do
- Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking UREMIDE 20.
- If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking UREMIDE 20.
- If you plan to have a surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
- Make sure you drink enough water during any exercise and during hot weather when you are taking UREMIDE 20, especially if you sweat a lot.
- If you do not drink enough water while taking UREMIDE 20, you may feel faint, light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly and you may become dehydrated. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
- If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking UREMIDE 20. There may be some interference with the results of these tests.
- If you are taking UREMIDE 20 to treat high blood pressure, make sure you have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says to make sure UREMIDE 20 is working properly.
Thing to be careful of
- If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up.
You may feel light-headed or dizzy when you begin to take UREMIDE 20. 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.
- If you are taking UREMIDE 20 for a long period of time, you should check with your doctor to determine whether or not you should eat more potassium-containing foods or take potassium supplements. However, increasing the amount of potassium in your diet may not be necessary and could be harmful. Check with your doctor.
- UREMIDE 20 may cause your skin to become 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.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- become pregnant while you are taking this medicine
- have excessive vomiting or diarrhoea while taking UREMIDE 20 or if you experience
any of the following symptoms:
- dry mouth or thirst
- fainting
- weakness, tiredness or drowsiness
- muscle pain or cramps
- fast heart beat
- passing less urine than normal.
If you experience these symptoms, you may be dehydrated because you are losing too much water.
Things you should not do
- Do not eat large amounts of liquorice while you are taking UREMIDE 20.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly.
- Do not change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
- Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- Do not take this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Things that may help your condition
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. 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 which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar.
- exercise - regular exercise helps reduce blood pressure and helps the heart 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.
- salt - if you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table.
- smoking - your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least to cut it down.
- weight - your doctor may suggest that you lose some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how UREMIDE 20 affects you.
UREMIDE 20 may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to your medicine before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if this occurs.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
If you drink alcohol or take strong painkillers, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking UREMIDE 20. It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking UREMIDE 20.
Looking after your medicine
Store your tablets in the original container, in a cool dry place below 25°C and protected from light. Do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink, or
- in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the bottle. Do not take this medicine if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects |
What to do |
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Alertness and sleep-related:
Infection-related:
Sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch-related:
Stomach and gut-related:
Skin and muscle-related:
Other:
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects. These are more common side effects of UREMIDE 20. Mostly they are mild or short-lived. |
Serious side effects
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Serious side effects |
What to do |
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Alertness and sleep-related:
Hearing-related:
Heart-related:
Skin and muscle-related:
Stomach and gut-related:
Other:
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Call your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following. These may be serious side effects of UREMIDE 20. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are uncommon. |
Very serious side effects
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Very serious side effects |
What to do |
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Allergy-related:
Skin-related:
Pain-related:
Other:
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these very serious side effects. These are very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What UREMIDE 20 contains
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Active ingredient (main ingredient) |
furosemide |
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Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) |
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Potential allergens |
sugars as lactose |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What UREMIDE 20 looks like
UREMIDE 20 is a white to off-white, round, tablet debossed with ‘F2’ on one side and plain on the other side (AUST R 412873).
Each bottle contains 50 or 100 tablets.
Who distributes UREMIDE 20
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in December 2025.
UREMIDE® is a Viatris company trade mark
UREMIDE 20_cmi\Dec25/00
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