Lasix – ‘Water’ pill to get rid of that extra water and swelling in the body

Excess salt and calcium are eliminated alongwith water by the body through urine. When this fluid accumulates in the body because of some disorder, it can cause swelling in the tissues or any part of the body, leading to severe complications in those organs. This can be a temporary or permanent condition. Loop diuretics, or water pills, play a major role in expelling excess salt and water through urine. Lasix, containing Furosemide, is one such potent loop diuretic.

Salt, water and other small molecules are filtered out of the blood into the tubules of the kidney. However, most of the sodium, chloride, calcium and water get reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid gets expelled through urine. Generic Furosemide blocks this re-absorption process, causing an increase in the output of urine – diuresis. It’s very name, Lasix, is said to be derived from a phrase that describes its duration - lasting 6 hours. If it is taken orally, Lasix takes about an hour to take effect, after which the diuresis lasts about 6-8 hours; but, if it is injected, it starts working within 5 minutes and the diuresis lasts a couple of hours.

For those who suffer from fluid retention because of disorders of the kidney [such as nephrotic syndrome], liver problem, or heart disease [as in congestive heart failure], those who suffer from hypertension, cerebral or pulmonary edema, and hypercalcemia, all require assistance of a loop diuretic to overcome their problem. Sometimes myeloma [if not treated in time] can result in bone breakdown causing release of calcium in the bloodstream that can lead to hypercalcemia, resulting in acute or chronic renal failure, treatment of which could involve dialysis.

As this medication increases the urine outflow from the body, it also brings down the blood pressure. It is better for people suffering from hypertension and ascites to take the treatment in a hospital as increased flow of urine may lead to severe dehydration, and in a hospital their condition can be monitored and treatment for dehydration be immediately instituted, if so required.

Before Taking Lasix, you must give your medical history to the treating doctor, making a special mention if you have ever suffered from any disease related to the kidney, liver, or heart, and if you have ever suffered from gout, lupus, anuria [disability of the body to make urine], or an untreated mineral imbalance. The physician has to know about all the medicines – prescription as well as OTC and the nutritional supplements or herbal products you take, so that you get a proper regimen. There are certain drugs that should not be taken alongwith Lasix, which are: Ethacrynic acid, Cisapride, Lithium, and other antihypertensive medications; while, Corticosteroids, Aliskerin or other drugs that can affect your hearing, Amphotericin B, Cholestyramine, Cisplatin, Colestipol, Digoxin, Lithium, Salicylates, Sucralfate, NSAIDs, Aspirin in large doses, can all interact with Furosemide, so you must inform your physician if you are taking any of these.

As Furosemide has the capacity to affect blood sugar and potassium levels in the body, you must inform the doctor, so that the doctor can adjust the anti-diabetic medicine for diabetics and give a potassium supplement if needed, besides monitoring blood sugar and potassium levels through regular laboratory tests. Hypertensive patients on Lasix therapy will have to get their blood pressure checked for a few months. If you have to undertake any surgery, it is also important for you to let the dentist or surgeon know that you are taking this medicine.

As with all other medicines, Lasix too has some side effects that may include dizziness, fainting, vomiting, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, dehydration, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, constipation, a ringing sound in the ears, a numbness or tingling sensation in the arms or legs. If you suspect an overdose, then contact the emergency room immediately. Pregnant women should take this medicine only if their physician advises, and lactating mothers should do likewise.

This medicine can cause drowsiness and make you feel sleepy, so do not take alcohol or alcoholic beverages when you take a water pill. If you have to drive or handle machinery, be very alert, after taking this medication. Elderly people, too, will need monitoring for the same reason. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunshine or strong light, so if you have to be outdoors, then be sure to wear a hat and other protective clothing. Lasix itself has to be stored away from heat, light and moisture at a room temperature of 15oC-30oC.

Using Lasix To Prevent Your Body From Absorbing Too Much Salt

Lasix is the brand name for furosemide. It is a loop diuretic (water pill) that allows salt to be passed into the urine instead of being absorbed into one’s body. Apart from being used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, Lasix is also prescribed for people with liver disease, nephrotic syndrome and other kidney and liver diseases. It is used to treat fluid retention or edema in all the above cases as well as those suffering from congestive heart failure.

Before ingesting Lasix to counter your particular disease, it is pertinent to know some important facts about the drug. One thing to be kept in mind before Using Lasix is that it will cause you to urinate frequently. As a result, you may dehydrate easily. So you need to follow your physicians instructions regarding getting enough salt and potassium in your diet or about potassium supplements. You will also need to vary the amount and type of liquids that you take. It is advisable to consult your doctor for information and guidance on this.

It is critical that you inform your doctor if you are suffering from any type of kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, lupus or if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs. Also, if you are undergoing treatment for high blood pressure, it would be wise to continue using this medication, even if you feel healthy. This is because high blood pressure is not always accompanied by symptoms. If you are an expectant mother or planning to become pregnant, you must let your doctor know. Such medication may prove harmful for an unborn baby. Also, if you are breast-feeding your child, furosemide may pass into breast milk and harm your nursing baby. In case of all the aforementioned conditions, you may not be able to take furosemide or you may need to undergo special tests during treatment or a dosage adjustment.

Furosemide is a drug with dual properties. It can be harmful for you if not taken correctly according to your particular condition. It is best to take Lasix as prescribed by your physician. It is recommended to not exceed the amount or duration of medication as prescribed by your doctor. The doctor may change your dosage from time to time, depending on your condition or level of recovery, in order to maximize the benefits of your medication.

Although furosemide does not usually require a dose schedule, as it is taken once a week in most cases, it is recommended for those who need to take this medication regularly to take the missed dose as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for you next dose, it is strictly advised to not take extra medicine to make up for your missed dose. If you overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

These are just some of the facts about Lasix or Furosemide. So, if you need to use the same or any other medication to treat your health problems, remember to read about it first.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Lasix.