Lasix (Furosemide)

What is Lasix?

Lasix is a loop diuretic that helps the body regulate body water.

What is Lasix used for?

Lasix is used to treat edema or excess absorption of salt by the body. It also helps the body lower high blood pressure and prevents heart strokes, heart failure, kidney and liver diseases. It has also been known to effectively treat breathing problems.

The medicine normalizes the pressure on the blood and keeps the arteries function without problems.

How does Lasix work?

Lasix is a water pill and hence increases the amount of water in the body that will pass through the urine.

How to use Lasix

Take the tablet as directed by your doctor. You are to take the Lasix tablet orally with a full glass of water. The Lasix tablet can be taken with or without food. It is advised that the tablets are to be taken the number of times approved by the doctor. It is best to take the tablet 4 hours before going to bed so as to not disturb nighttime sleep. To gain the best results, take the medicine daily and preferably at the same time.

Lasix warnings and precautions

Do not take Lasix if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Check with your doctor before you take the medicine if you have a medical history of kidney and liver diseases, gout and lupus.

If you are a diabetic, ensure that you regularly keep a check on your blood sugar levels in order to avoid any complications that might crop up. Also, the dosage has to be adjusted to suit your medical condition.

Lasix can make your skin over sensitive to the sunlight. Therefore, avoid harsh lighting as far as possible and keep yourself adequately covered.

Lasix can make you feel dizzy and blur the vision; you are not advised to take up any attention demanding work while you are under this medication period. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

The medicine is not advised to be given to pregnant and lactating mothers as it can harm an unborn or nursing child.

What do I do if I have missed a Lasix dose?

If you have missed a Lasix dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more of the medicine to make up for the loss.

What do I do if I have taken a Lasix overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Lasix, consult your doctor.

Lasix interactions

Lasix must not be taken with the following drugs as the interaction can cause some severe complications.

Very serious complication can occur if Lasix is taken in tandem with cisapride, or ethacrynicacid.

Inform your doctor about all the non prescription and herbal medicines you have been taking. Aliskeren especially is known to interact with Lasix. Other medicines like genatmicin, tobramycin, amphotericin, digoxin, lithium, NSAIDs, cough and cold medicines, aspirin, salicylates and sucralfates are known to interact. Check with your doctor before using these medicines if you are under the medication of Lasix.

Lasix side effects

Side effects from Lasix include diarrhea, constipation, headache, numbness, stinging, burning, pain, dizziness and blurred vision. If these conditions persist, it is recommended that you visit your medical health provider.

Some of the more serious side effects of Lasix include dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, uneven heart beat, hives, swelling on the face, lips and tongue.

Increased urination, bruising, bleeding, red skin rash, hearing loss, dark urine, clayey stool and loss of appetite need to be treated by the doctor.