Drug interactions
Furosemide + Lily of the valley
Severity: Major
Furosemide and Lily of the valley: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and furosemide-induced hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia sensitize the heart to glycoside toxicity. This can lead to serious arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Furosemide and Lily of the valley can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Diuretic-induced potassium and magnesium depletion increases myocardial sensitivity to cardiac glycoside effects.
What to do
Avoid use of lily of the valley preparations; if exposure occurs, check potassium, magnesium and ECG and correct electrolytes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Furosemide with Lily of the valley?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Furosemide and Lily of the valley can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and furosemide-induced hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia sensitize the heart to glycoside toxicity. This can lead to serious arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Furosemide and Lily of the valley?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid use of lily of the valley preparations; if exposure occurs, check potassium, magnesium and ECG and correct electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Furosemide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Furosemide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Carbenoxolone. The full list is on the Furosemide page.
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