Brand Name: Lasix
Generic Name: Furosemide
Uses and Indications
Lasix is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.
Lasix treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Like other loop diuretics, Lasix acts by inhibiting the Na-K-2Cl symporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. The action on the distal tubules is independent of any inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase or aldosterone; it also abolishes the corticomedullary osmotic gradient and blocks negative as well as positive free water clearance. Due to the large NaCl absorptive capacity of the Loop of Henle, diuresis is not limited by development of acidosis, as it is with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Safe usage and general guidance
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Lasix will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Lasix even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Lasix at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Lasix liquid medicine should be used within 60 to 90 days after opening the bottle. Ask your pharmacist how many days your medicine is good for. Throw away any unused liquid after that time has passed.
Precautions and risks
Before you buy Lasix, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs. Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking this medication.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Lasix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lasix and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
- feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
- fast or uneven heartbeat;
- muscle pain or weakness;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
- a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
- hearing loss; or
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
