Lasix

Drug name

Lasix (Furosemide)

Drug Uses

Lasix is one of the diuretic medicines. It is intended in treating edemas and other fluid accumulation in the human body which started from the experienced heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and nephrotic syndrome. Lasix is also used in combinations with blood pressure medicines while treating high blood pressure conditions.

How Taken

You should follow doctor directions strictly. In case you are not sure you understand them ask your doctor, nurse or other physician to explain them. You should take the medicine with the full glass of the water. It is recommended to take Lasix during the day in case there are no other directions of your doctor to avoid urination during the night. You should strictly follow you schedule. You should continue taking the medicine even in the case you feel some relief. It is not recommended to stop taking the drugs at once as it can damage your condition.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.

Missed Dose

In case your schedule means only one dose per day and you have missed to take it then you should take it at the moment you have remembered but not later then 12 hours. In case the time exceeds 12 hours you shouldn’t take the messed dose just return to your daily schedule. You shouldn’t take two doses at once.
In case your schedule means more than one dose per day and you have missed to take it then you should take it at the moment you have remembered but not later then 2 hours. In case the time exceeds 2 hours you shouldn’t take the messed dose just return to your daily schedule. You shouldn’t take two doses at once.

Storage

This drug should be kept at the room temperature in a dark place.

Warnings Precautions

Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to furosemide because of a similarity in the chemical structure of the medications. Furosemide should be avoided in kidney failure. Even though furosemide 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. Furosemide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further information.

Blood uric acid levels can increase during furosemide treatment, but precipitation of acute gout is rare. Furosemide may increase the toxic effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the ear, especially in patients with kidney dysfunction. Furosemide reduces the kidney excretion of lithium and can lead to lithium toxicity. Furosemide may impair kidney function when administered together with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Periodic blood tests are performed to monitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatment with furosemide.

Possible Side Effects

Taking Lasix can led to such side effects as low blood pressure, and water and electrolyte depletion. It also causes though rarely following side effects: jaundice, ringing in ears (tinnitus), light sensitivity, rash, pancreatitis, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and other blood disorders.

More Information

You should cease taking drug and contact you doctor or any first medical aid in case you got any of side effects below:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• muscle cramps or weakness;
• an irregular heartbeat;
• abdominal pain or diarrhea;
• low blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, fatigue); or
• decreased hearing.

Don’t stop taking the medicine but contact your doctor in case you got:

• dry mouth or increased thirst;
• headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
• constipation;
• increased sensitivity to sunlight;
• a rash;
• jaundice (yellow skin or eyes);
• ringing in the ears;
• nausea;
• easy bleeding or bruising; or
• numbness in the hands or feet.

Lasix may also cause other side effects not mentioned here. Contact your doctor in case you experience something annoying you.