Furosemide is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like heart failure and edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics, often referred to as "water pills." Furosemide works by helping the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the bloodstream, leading to increased urine production. This medication is typically taken by mouth in tablet form or given intravenously in a hospital setting. While effective, furosemide can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and low blood pressure, so it is important for patients to be monitored by healthcare professionals while using it.