Furosemide, Potassium & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Diumide-K Continus, Lasikal. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Furosemide, Potassium has been associated with depletion of POTASSIUM, VITAMIN B6, VITAMIN C and CALCIUM and 4 more. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Furosemide, Potassium long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Furosemide, Potassium pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Furosemide, Potassium
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
No results match — clear the filter to see everything.
POTASSIUM
Major DepletionDIURETIC DRUGS
Furosemide is a powerful 'loop' diuretic, meaning it works in the kidneys to pull excess fluid out of the body through urine. The problem is that potassium, a mineral your heart rhythm and muscles depend on, gets swept out along with that fluid. This is a well-documented, major concern, and most people taking furosemide long-term will need their potassium levels monitored and often supplemented. Please talk with your pharmacist or doctor about checking your levels and whether a supplement or potassium-rich foods are right for you.
What Potassium does & food sources
Potassium keeps nerve signals, muscle contractions, and heart rhythm working normally.
Common food sources:
- Bananas and citrus fruits
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Beans and lentils
- Tomatoes and leafy greens
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Potassium is routinely checked with basic blood work. If you take a medication associated with potassium loss (like some diuretics), ask your provider how often your electrolytes should be monitored.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Do not start potassium supplements on your own. Both low and high potassium can affect heart rhythm, and several common medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics) raise potassium.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Potassium supplementation can be dangerous in kidney disease or alongside potassium-raising medications — this is a decision for your prescriber, guided by lab results.
Learn more about this nutrient: Potassium — uses, safety & interactions
References (3)
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
- Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
- Robertson JI. Diuretics, potassium depletion and risk of arrhythmias. Eur Heart J 1984;5(Suppl A):25-8.
VITAMIN B6
Insignificant DepletionFUROSEMIDE (Lasix)
Limited data suggests that acute use of intravenous furosemide in people with kidney failure increases urinary excretion of vitamin B6. However, people with hypertension treated with oral diuretics for several years seem to have normal serum vitamin B6 levels. Vitamin B6 supplements are not usually necessary with furosemide or other diuretics. For information on foods that are rich in vitamin B6, see our chart.
Vitamin B6 is something your body uses to make brain chemicals and keep your metabolism running smoothly. When furosemide is given intravenously to people who already have kidney failure, there is some early research suggesting the kidneys may flush out a bit more vitamin B6 in the urine than usual. That said, people taking oral furosemide long-term appear to keep normal vitamin B6 levels, and this is rated as an insignificant depletion, meaning most patients do not need to do anything special about it. If you have concerns or kidney disease in your history, a quick conversation with your pharmacist or doctor can put your mind at ease.
What Vitamin B6 does & food sources
Vitamin B6 is involved in protein metabolism, neurotransmitter production, and red blood cell formation.
Common food sources:
- Poultry and fish
- Potatoes and starchy vegetables
- Bananas
- Fortified cereals
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
With some medications (for example, isoniazid), B6 is intentionally co-prescribed — follow your prescriber's plan. Otherwise, ask whether testing or supplementation is appropriate if you have symptoms like numbness or tingling.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Paradoxically, long-term high-dose B6 can itself cause nerve symptoms — this is a nutrient where more is definitely not better.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Avoid high-dose B6 without medical guidance; sustained high intakes can cause neuropathy.
Learn more about this nutrient: Vitamin B6 — uses, safety & interactions
References (3)
- Mydlik M, Derzsiova K, Zemberova E. Metabolism of vitamin B6 and its requirement in chronic renal failure. Kidney Int 1997;52, suppl.62:s56-9..
- Mydlik M, Derzsiova K, Zemberova E. Influence of water and sodium diuresis and furosemide on urinary excretion of vitamin B6, oxalic acid and vitamin C in chronic renal failure. Miner Electrolyte Metab 1999;25:352-6..
- Morrow LE, Grimsley EW. Long-term diuretic therapy in hypertensive patients: effects on serum homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and red blood cell folate concentrations. South Med J 1999;92:866-70. PubMed
VITAMIN C
Insignificant DepletionDIURETIC DRUGS
In people with chronic renal failure, a 20 mg intravenous dose of furosemide (Lasix) increases urinary losses of vitamin C, probably due to increased water excretion. Significant vitamin C depletion hasn't been reported with long-term oral use of furosemide or other diuretics.
Vitamin C is something your immune system, skin, and wound healing all depend on, so it is worth knowing that furosemide may nudge levels slightly lower. When furosemide pulls extra water out through the kidneys, a small amount of vitamin C can leave the body with it in the urine. That said, this has only been seen with intravenous doses in a clinical setting, and significant depletion has not been reported in people taking furosemide by mouth over the long term. For most patients, no supplement is needed, but if you have questions about your diet or vitamin levels, your pharmacist or doctor is a good person to ask.
What Vitamin C does & food sources
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, collagen formation, and iron absorption.
Common food sources:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries and kiwi
- Broccoli and Brussels sprouts
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Frank vitamin C deficiency is uncommon with a varied diet. If your diet is limited and you take an associated medication, ask your provider whether your intake is adequate.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Vitamin C is water-soluble and generally low-risk at food-level intakes; very high supplemental doses can cause stomach upset and may not add benefit.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Learn more about this nutrient: Vitamin C — uses, safety & interactions
References (1)
- Mydlik M, Derzsiova K, Zemberova E. Influence of water and sodium diuresis and furosemide on urinary excretion of vitamin B6, oxalic acid and vitamin C in chronic renal failure. Miner Electrolyte Metab 1999;25:352-6..
CALCIUM
Moderate DepletionLOOP DIURETICS
Loop diuretics increase urinary calcium excretion and may reduce serum calcium levels, especially at higher doses. For information on foods that are rich in calcium, see our chart.
Calcium keeps your bones strong, your muscles working, and your heart rhythm steady. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, meaning it pulls extra fluid out through your kidneys, and unfortunately calcium tends to get swept out in the urine along with it. At higher doses or with long-term use, this loss can be significant enough that some people do need a supplement. It is worth asking your pharmacist or doctor whether your calcium levels should be checked.
What Calcium does & food sources
Calcium builds and maintains bone and is essential for muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
Common food sources:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Fortified plant milks and juices
- Canned fish with bones (sardines, salmon)
- Leafy greens like kale
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider whether bone health monitoring (and vitamin D testing) makes sense with long-term use of an associated medication — a blood calcium level alone does not capture bone calcium status.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Calcium can interfere with the absorption of several medications (some antibiotics, thyroid medication, iron) — separate the doses and confirm timing with your pharmacist. Total intake from food plus supplements matters more than supplements alone.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Very high calcium intake has its own risks (kidney stones in susceptible people) — more is not better.
Learn more about this nutrient: Calcium — uses, safety & interactions
References (2)
- Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
MAGNESIUM
Moderate DepletionDIURETIC DRUGS
Loop diuretics and, to a lesser extent thiazide diuretics, interfere with magnesium reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing urinary losses and reducing serum magnesium levels. Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone, are also magnesium-sparing, and can therefore counteract the magnesium losses seen with loop diuretics and thiazides. For information on foods that are rich in magnesium, see our chart.
Magnesium helps keep your muscles, heart rhythm, and nerves working properly, so it matters more than people often realize. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, meaning it works by making your kidneys flush out extra fluid through urine, and unfortunately magnesium gets swept out along the way because the drug interferes with how the kidneys normally hold on to it. This is a moderate concern, not just a theoretical one, and some people on long-term furosemide do end up needing a supplement. It is worth bringing up with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have been on this medication for a while.
What Magnesium does & food sources
Magnesium is involved in muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, blood sugar control, and bone health.
Common food sources:
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Whole grains
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beans and legumes
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask whether a magnesium level is worth checking if you take an associated medication long-term — particularly with symptoms like muscle cramps, twitching, or palpitations. Blood levels do not always reflect total body stores, which is worth discussing too.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Magnesium supplements come in many forms and can cause loose stools at higher doses. They can also bind some medications in the gut (certain antibiotics, thyroid medication), so timing matters — check with your pharmacist.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Magnesium supplementation can be risky in kidney disease, where magnesium can accumulate — always check with a clinician first if your kidney function is reduced.
Learn more about this nutrient: Magnesium — uses, safety & interactions
References (4)
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
- Ryan MP. Diuretics and potassium/magnesium depletion. Directions for treatment. Am J Med 1987;82:38-47.. PubMed
- Hollifield JW. Magnesium depletion, diuretics, and arrhythmias. Am J Med 1987;82:30-7.. PubMed
- Heidenreich O. Mode of action of conventional and potassium-sparing diuretics--aspects with relevance to Mg-sparing effects. Magnesium 1984;3:248-56..
THIAMINE
Moderate DepletionDIURETIC DRUGS
Increased urinary thiamine excretion and thiamine deficiency may occur in some people treated with diuretics, especially in high doses (e.g., more than 80 mg furosemide daily) for several months. Although most case reports involve furosemide, animal data suggest that the effect may occur with any diuretic. Diuretic-induced thiamine deficiency appears to be most common in elderly people with inadequate dietary intake and to be rare in people less than 60 years of age. Thiamine deficiency in people taking diuretics is a concern because it might worsen heart failure. Limited research suggests that supplementation with thiamine 200 mg daily may improve left ventricular ejection fraction and functional capacity in some thiamine-deficient people treated with high doses of furosemide for heart failure. However, other studies have found no improvement. It's too soon to recommend routine thiamine supplementation for people on prolonged, high-dose diuretic therapy. Monitor for thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine is a B vitamin your heart muscle and nervous system depend on to produce energy properly. Furosemide works as a powerful diuretic, meaning it makes your kidneys flush out a lot of extra fluid, and unfortunately thiamine gets swept out along with it in the urine. This concern is most relevant for people taking higher doses (think more than 80 mg daily) over several months, and especially for older adults who may not be getting enough thiamine through food to begin with. If you have been on a high dose of furosemide for a while, it is worth having a conversation with your pharmacist or doctor about whether your thiamine level should be checked.
What Vitamin B1 (thiamine) does & food sources
Thiamine helps convert food into energy and is essential for nerve and heart function.
Common food sources:
- Whole grains and fortified cereals
- Pork
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask about thiamine if you take an associated medication (for example, a long-term loop diuretic in heart failure) and have symptoms like fatigue or worsening heart failure control — this is an area your care team can weigh.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Thiamine is water-soluble and generally low-risk, but supplementing to treat a suspected problem should still be clinician-guided so the real cause is not missed.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Learn more about this nutrient: Thiamine — uses, safety & interactions
References (9)
- Brady JA, Rock CL, Horneffer MR. Thiamin status, diuretic medications, and the management of congestive heart failure. J Am Diet Assoc 1995;95:541-4. PubMed
- Shimon I, Almog S, Vered Z, et al. Improved left ventricular function after thiamine supplementation in patients with congestive heart failure receiving long-term furosemide therapy. Am J Med 1995;98:485-90. PubMed
- Seligmann H, Halkin H, Rauchfleisch S, et al. Thiamine deficiency in patients with congestive heart failure receiving long-term furosemide therapy: a pilot study. Am J Med 1991;91:151-5. PubMed
- Leslie D, Gheorghiade M. Is there a role for thiamine supplementation in the management of heart failure? Am Heart J 1996;131:1248-50. PubMed
- Saif MW. Is there a role for thiamine in the management of congestive heart failure? (letter) South Med J 2003;96:114-5. PubMed
- Schoenenberger AW, Schoenenberger -Berzins R, der Maur CA, et al. Thiamine supplementation in symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study. Clin Res Cardiol. 2012 Mar;101(3):159-64. PubMed
- Lubetsky A, Winaver J, Seligmann H, et al. Urinary thiamine excretion in the rat: effects of furosemide, other diuretics, and volume load. J Lab Clin Med 1999;134:232-7.. PubMed
- Levy WC, Soine LA, Huth MM, Fishbein DP. Thiamine deficiency in congestive heart failure (letter). Am J Med 1992;93:705-6. PubMed
- Pfitzenmeyer P, Guilland JC, d'Athis P, et al. Thiamine status of elderly patients with cardiac failure including the effects of supplementattion. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1994;64:113-8.
FOLIC ACID
Insufficient EvidenceDIURETIC DRUGS
Limited data suggests diuretics may increase excretion of folic acid. Reduced red blood cell folate levels, possibly contributing to increased homocysteine levels, were found in one group of people taking diuretics for six months or longer. The need for folic acid supplementation during diuretic therapy hasn't been adequately studied. Advise patients to maintain a good dietary intake of folic acid. For information on foods that are rich in folate, see our chart.
Folic acid is a B vitamin your body uses to make healthy red blood cells and keep homocysteine levels in check. Furosemide, like other diuretics, makes your kidneys produce more urine, and some research suggests folate may get flushed out along with the extra fluid. That said, the evidence here is thin and the clinical significance is genuinely unknown, so most people on furosemide do not need to worry about this right now. Eating folate-rich foods is always a smart habit, and if you have concerns, your pharmacist or doctor can help you decide if anything more is needed.
What Folic acid (folate) does & food sources
Folate is needed for cell division, red blood cell formation, and healthy fetal development.
Common food sources:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beans, lentils, and peas
- Fortified grains and cereals
- Citrus fruits
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider whether folate monitoring or supplementation is appropriate for you — this matters most before and during pregnancy, and with long-term use of certain seizure or arthritis medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Folate needs are individual. With some medications (for example, methotrexate), folic acid is often prescribed deliberately on a specific schedule — follow your prescriber's instructions rather than adding your own.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: High-dose folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, so the two are often evaluated together.
Learn more about this nutrient: Folic Acid — uses, safety & interactions
References (1)
- Morrow LE, Grimsley EW. Long-term diuretic therapy in hypertensive patients: effects on serum homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and red blood cell folate concentrations. South Med J 1999;92:866-70. PubMed
SODIUM
Insufficient EvidenceDIURETIC DRUGS
Loop and thiazide diuretics increase sodium excretion by preventing sodium from being reabsorbed by the kidneys. Although uncommon, loop or thiazide diuretics can cause severe hyponatremia in some patients.
Sodium is the mineral that helps control fluid balance and keeps your nerves and muscles firing properly. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, meaning it works in the kidneys to push more fluid out through urine, and sodium goes along with that fluid. The evidence here is listed as insufficient, so the clinical significance simply is not known yet. Severe drops in sodium are uncommon, but if you are on furosemide long-term it is worth asking your pharmacist or doctor whether routine monitoring makes sense for you.
What Sodium does & food sources
Sodium maintains fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve/muscle function.
Common food sources:
- Table salt and most processed foods — dietary shortage is rare; medication-related loss is about balance, not intake
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Sodium is part of routine blood work. If you take an associated medication (like certain diuretics or antidepressants), ask how often your electrolytes should be checked — especially if you feel confused, weak, or unusually tired.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Low sodium from a medication is managed by your care team (often by adjusting the medication or fluids) — not by eating more salt on your own.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Significant symptoms of low sodium (confusion, severe weakness) warrant prompt medical attention.
Learn more about this nutrient: Sodium — uses, safety & interactions
References (2)
- Sardar GK, Eilbert WP. Severe Hyponatremia Associated with Thiazide Diuretic Use. J Emerg Med 2015;48(3):305-9. PubMed
- Diaconu CC, Balaceanu A, Bartos D. Diuretics, first-line antihypertensive agents: are they always safe in the elderly? Rom J Intern Med 2014;52(2):87-90.
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Furosemide, Potassium
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Furosemide, Potassium & nutrients: FAQs
Does Furosemide, Potassium deplete POTASSIUM?
Should I take a supplement because I take Furosemide, Potassium?
Should I stop taking Furosemide, Potassium?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Furosemide, Potassium and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Furosemide, Potassium are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.