Lasix

The active ingredient in Lasix is furosemide. It is a loop diuretic that acts on the kidneys to help excrete more water, sodium, and potassium and lower swelling and blood pressure (antihypertensive).

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Lasix. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lasix:

• You should take this medication in the morning or early afternoon to avoid getting up in the night to use the bathroom.
• This medication can cause dizziness, especially in the first few days or when going up in dose. To minimize this effect, get up slowly.
• Furosemide can make you more sensitive to the sun. To minimize the risk of burning, avoid tanning beds or spending too long in the sun, and always wear sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves to protect your skin.
• This medication can increase your blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugars more frequently while on this medication.
• It is important to hydrate while taking this medication, as directed by your doctor.

The most common side effects of furosemide seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Frequent urination.
• Dizziness/ lightheadedness.
• Headache.
• Orthostatic hypotension (feeling off balance when getting up suddenly).
• Photosensitivity.
• Nausea/ vomiting.
• Constipation/ diarrhea.
• Blurred vision.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lasix. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (low calcium - hypocalcemia, low magnesium - hypomagnesemia, low sodium - hyponatremia, low potassium - hypokalemia) may present as dry mouth, feeling thirsty, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, or low blood pressure.
• Severe skin reactions may present as painful blisters, rash, or peeling skin.
• Severe allergic reactions may present as hives, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, tightness in the throat, and swelling of the face.
• Hearing loss (ototoxicity) may present as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and is more common when given as an injection or at high doses.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lasix. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lasix, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Hepatic cirrhosis or ascites - the initial dose should be given in the hospital.
• Urinary retention or enlarged prostate - furosemide may worsen this effect.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Gout - furosemide may worsen symptoms.
• An electrolyte imbalance, including low sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, or potassium levels.

Those with anuria (no urine production) or with a history of hypersensitivity to furosemide, sulfonamides, or sulfa drugs.

Lasix begins working within minutes and has its full effects within a few hours.

When Lasix is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamycin, erythromycin, and tobramycin), cisplatin, and ethacrynic acid may increase the risk for ototoxicity when used with furosemide.
• Corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances when used with furosemide.
• Lithium, as there is an increased risk of lithium toxicity when used with furosemide.
• ACE inhibitors (ramipril, perindopril) and ARBs (candesartan, valsartan, irbesartan) should not be used with furosemide, as this can lead to severe hypotension or kidney dysfunction.
• Use with sucralfate should be avoided as this medication may reduce the efficacy of furosemide.
• Use of intravenous chloral hydrate within 24 hours of taking furosemide can lead to flushing, sweating, restlessness, hypertension, or nausea.
• Phenytoin can decrease the absorption of Lasix.
• Methotrexate and other drugs that undergo significant renal tubular secretion can reduce the efficacy of furosemide, and Lasix may decrease the renal elimination of other drugs.
• Lasix may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity from cephalosporin antibiotics.
• The use of Lasix with cyclosporine may increase the risk of gouty arthritis.
• Caution should be used with combining Lasix with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin, due to the combined impact on the kidneys.

Lasix is available as 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg tablets. It is also available in an 8 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL oral solution.

Lasix should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis.

Yes, there is a generic version of brand-name Lasix available.

Other than in the case of a severe reaction as described above, Lasix should not be discontinued suddenly.

There may be a risk of furosemide use during pregnancy causing higher birth weight, maternal death, and fetal malformations, based on animal studies. For these reasons, furosemide is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Furosemide should be used with caution in breastfeeding, as it is found in breast milk. It may also inhibit lactation.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.