Lasix

Furosemide

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lasix

Lasix is a highly efficacious and potent diuretic or water pill. It acts by blocking the re absorption of salt (sodium) and water by kidney tubules and thereby increasing urine output profoundly known as diuresis. The diuretic action of Lasix can cause water and electrolyte imbalance in the body and need close monitoring during treatment with Lasix (especially in long term treatment).

Therapeutic Uses of Lasix

Lasix is used as a diuretic medicine. Heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and nephrotic syndrome can cause accumulation of fluid or water in the body (edema), and Lasix is used in treating these conditions to remove extra fluid from body. It can also be used in treating high blood pressure in combination with other anti hypertensive agents if single anti hypertensive is not reducing blood pressure. It can also be used in other conditions as your doctor determines.

Direction of use of Lasix

Take Lasix as per direction of your doctor. Take Lasix with a glass of water and preferably in the day time to reduce night time urination, unless your doctor tells you. You should take it at the same time everyday to get best result of Lasix. Do not stop Lasix suddenly as it may cause worsening of your problem. If you do not understand any direction, you should clarify your doubt from your doctor or other health care provider.

If You Miss a Dose of Lasix

If you are taking once a day dose and miss a dose than take the missed dose as soon as you remember within 12 hours. If you miss for more than 12 hours than skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take 2 doses at a time.

If you are taking more than a dose daily, than if you miss a dose you should take it if you can remember it within 2 hours of missing it. If you forget for more than 2 hours, you should skip the dose and take the next dose as scheduled.

How to Store Lasix

Lasix should be stored at room temperature in a dry and dark place, in a tightly closed container. Keep Lasix out of reach of children.

More Information About Lasix

If you have any question about Lasix you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lasix

• If you are allergic to sulfa medicines, there is high possibility that you may be allergic to Lasix also, because of the structural similarity of Lasix with sulfa medicines. You should inform your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa medicines.
• Lasix can reduce blood potassium, sodium and magnesium. Low potassium and magnesium may cause arrhythmia (heart rhythm abnormalities) especially if you are taking digoxin also.
• If you have kidney failure, avoid Lasix. Though furosemide or Lasix is important in treating excess fluid accumulation in patients with cirrhosis, sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes in these patients can worsen kidney function and even cause the patient to go into a coma.
• During treatment with Lasix, blood uric acid level may increase but it usually do not precipitate gout.
• Lasix may increase ear toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamycin, especially if you have kidney problems. Lasix may reduce the kidney excretion of lithium and this can lead to lithium toxicity.
• Lasix may impair kidney function when administered together with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Periodic blood tests should be performed to monitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatment with furosemide.

Possible Adverse Effects of Lasix

• Common side effects of Lasix are low blood pressure, water and electrolyte depletion and imbalance etc. Less common side effects are jaundice, tinnitus (ringing in ears), light sensitivity, rash, pancreatitis, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and other blood disorders etc.
• If you experience any serious side effects of Lasix, you should stop it and consult your doctor immediately. The serious side effects are generalized weakness, muscle cramp, arrhythmia or irregular heart beat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, reduced hearing, low blood pressure (manifestations of low blood pressure are weakness, dizziness, fatigue); allergic reaction (manifestations of allergic reaction are itching, rash, difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face).
• There may be less serious side effects of Lasix. The less serious side effects are headache, dizziness, lightheadedness; dry mouth and increased thirst; constipation, nausea; numbness in the hands or feet, tinnitus, easy bleeding or bruising; jaundice etc. If you get any of these less serious side effects, do not stop Lasix, but consult your doctor.
• If you experience any side effect that is not listed above, consult your doctor immediately.