Lasix is powerful diuretic (water pill). Furosemide’s action consists in blocking the absorbtion of fluid and salt in the kidney tubules; this causes the profound increment in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of this medication may cause electrolyte and body water depletion. That is why it is necessary to be under careful supervision while taking the medication.
Furosemide should be taken according to your doctor’s directions only. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain these directions to you if you don’t understand them. Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. Preferably take Furosemide early in the day in order to reduce nighttime urination, unless your doctor directed otherwise. To get the most benefit take Furosemide regularly. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, even if you feel that your condition improved: sudden stopping may worsen your condition.
If you are to take one dose daily, try to take the missed dose as soon as you remember within next 12 hours. Skip the dose if more than 12 hours have passed. Then take only the next regular dose that is scheduled for you. Do NOT take 2 doses of Furosemide.
If you take more than one dose daily, take the missed dose only before 2 hours pass. If happened that more than 2 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Furosemide.
Store Furosemide at room temperature in a container that is resistant to light.
Lasix Safety information
Patients that are allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to Furosemide, because their chemical structures are similar. If you have kidney failure, don’t take Furosemide. Patients with cirrhosis shouldn’t take Furosemide, even though this medication is important in treating the excess accumulation of fluid: sudden loss of electrolytes and fluid in these patients may make kidney function worse and even cause the patient to go into a coma. Lasix can also cause lowering of blood potassium, magnesium, and sodium levels, which can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, especially in patients that are already taking digoxin (Lanoxin). For further information please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site.
During treatment with Furosemide blood uric acid levels may increase. But precipitation of acute gout is very rare. The toxic effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the ear may be increased by furosemmide, especially pacients with kidney disfunction should be careful. Lithium toxity can be caused by the fact that Furosemide reduces the excretion of lithium in kidney. In case of administration of Furosemide together with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-imflammatory medications (NSAIDs), impairment of kidney function may occur. It is important during the treatment with Furosemide to take periodic blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolytes.
Lasix Side effects
Most common side effects include: low blood pressure, water and electrolyte depletion. Side effects that are less likely to happen: ringing in ears (tinnitus), jaundice, light sensitivity, nausea, pancreatitis, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and other disorders in blood.
Stop taking Furosemide and contact you doctor immediately, or seek emergency medical attention in case if you experience any of the listed below serious side effects:
- an irregular heartbeat;
- low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness, fatigue);
- abdominal pain or diarrhea;
- allergic reaction (closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips or tongue; or hives);
- muscle cramps or weakness;
- decreased hearing.
Other side effects that are less serious may happen more often. Keep taking Furosemide and consult with your doctor if you experience any of listed below:
- headache, lightheadedness, dizziness;
- nausea;
- easy bleeding or bruising;
- dry mouth or increased thirst;
- increased light sensitivity;
- constipation;
- a rash;
- numbness in the feet or hands;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- ringing in the ears.
Other than those side effects, listed here, may also happen. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that especially bothers you, or seems unusual.
