Uses
Furosemide (Lasix®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Furosemide helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. It also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic furosemide tablets are available.
Directions
Lasix
Description
Furosemide (Lasix&right;) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Furosemide helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. It also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic furosemide tablets are available.
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How to take
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine increases urination, usually within 1 hour after taking. Take early in the day to avoid sleep disruption. Contact your health care provider if any of the following signs of excessive fluid loss occur: Weakness; drowsiness; dizziness; muscle pain or cramps; thirst; dry mouth; unusual tiredness; racing heartbeat; excessive urination; restlessness; muscle tiredness; irregular heart rhythms; nausea; vomiting. Potassium supplements may be needed while taking this medicine. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity. Diabetic patients - This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. Doses of diabetic medication may need to be adjusted. Blood pressure should be monitored when taking this medicine. This medicine may cause gout attack. Call your health care provider if sudden joint pain occurs. Do not use alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics while taking this medicine. Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you might not feel quite "normal".
Contact your health care provider or pharmacist about any symptoms. This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Do not expose yourself to the sun and wear protective clothing and sunscreen until tolerance is determined. Lab tests will be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not take discolored Tablet. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
Side efects
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
blood in urine or stools
diarrhea
dry mouth
fever or chills, sore throat
hearing loss or ringing in the ears
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
lower back or side pain
mood changes
muscle pain or weakness, cramps
nausea, vomiting
severe stomach pain
skin rash
tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dizziness or lightheadedness
headache
increased sensitivity to the sun
loss of appetite
stomach upset, pain, or cramps
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, drug dependency, depression, breathing problems, any allergies. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
alcohol
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
certain antibiotics given by injection
cholestyramine
cisplatin
clofibrate
colestipol
dofetilide
heart medicines such as digoxin
hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone
lithium
medicines for diabetes
medicine for high blood pressure
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
nitroglycerin
phenytoin
water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, clumsiness, slowed heart rate, and deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.
NOTES: Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. You may experience sleeping difficulties on the first night after stopping this medication. Be aware of this effect. If the problem continues, contact your doctor.
Missed Dosage
Take your dose at or near bedtime. If you miss a dose, do not take it if it is near the time for your next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.