Name - Furosemide
Category - Diuretic drug
Indications
Reduce amount of water
Lasix is indicated to reduce the amount of water in the body. They work by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine and reduce the amount of water in the body. Furosemide (Lasix), a 'water pill,' is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems, including heart or liver disease. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Lasix Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Lasix is contraindicated in patients, who are hypersensitive to this drug, medications that belong to this class of drugs (diuretics) or had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Lasix should not be taken by patients who have a history of the following ailment conditions.
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Gout
Hearing problems
Heart disease, or previous heart attack
Kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
Liver disease
Low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium
Pancreatitis
Premature birth (newborns)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
There are a number of medications that interact with Lasix. It is important to take the doctor's counsel if you are taking any of the following.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Aspirin and other salicylates
Ethacrynic acid
Indomethacin
Lithium
Norepinephrine
Other high blood pressure medications
Sucralfate Tetracycline
Lasix Dosage
The following information just highlights the general average dosage of Lasix
The usual recommended dosage of Lasix for Fluid Retention is a single dose of 20 to 80 milligrams. If needed, the same dose can be repeated 6 to 8 hours later, or the dose may be increased.
Lasix Adverse Effects
Some of the most serious Lasix side Effects include blood in urine or stools,
Diarrhea, dry mouth, fever or chills, sore throat, hearing loss or ringing in the ears,
Increased thirst, irregular heartbeat and lower back or side pain.
This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Lasix.
Lasix and Pregnancy
In general, diuretics are not useful for normal swelling of feet and hands that occurs during pregnancy. Hence, Lasix should not be taken during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor.
Lasix and Breastfeeding
Lasix is not reported to have caused problems in nursing babies. Furosemide (Lasix) passes into breast milk; a decision should be taken either to stop using this medication or stop breast feeding till the treatment is completed.
Lasix and Pediatric
The safety and effectiveness of Lasix in pediatric patients have not been established.
Lasix and Geriatric
Dizziness, light headedness, or signs of too much potassium loss may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of Lasix Elderly patients may also be more likely to develop blood clots. Do discuss with your doctor before using Lasix.
Note
The above information about Lasix serves as an information resource only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the counsel of your doctor, physician or pharmacist before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing therapy. |
