Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Furosemide

Loop diuretic

Brand names: Lasix

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia

    Dry mouth from diuresis-related fluid loss.

    Mechanism: Reduced fluid volume lowers salivary flow.

    Clinical management: Hydration, salivary support, caries prevention.

  • Dizziness on standing (orthostatic hypotension)

    The label lists orthostatic hypotension, which may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics; volume depletion from diuresis adds to the risk. Frequency is not quantified.

    Clinical management: Raise the chair back slowly at the end of the appointment, let the patient sit upright for 1–2 minutes before standing, and steady them as they get up. Take extra care in older patients, after long supine procedures and when other blood-pressure-lowering drugs are taken.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.
  2. Furosemide prescribing information (FDA label) Bryant Ranch Prepack / DailyMed, 2023.