Description
LASIX (Furosemide) is commonly called as ‘water pill’ that is used to treat the patients with nephritic syndrome, fluid retention problems, congestive heart disease and hypertension. LASIX (Furosemide) prevents the salt absorption by the kidneys and hence it acts on the blood pressure and water elimination processes. LASIX (Furosemide) is also used in hepatic cirrhosis, cerebral and/or pulmonary edema and to treat severe hypercalcemia. LASIX (Furosemide) is a loop diuretic drug that increases the potassium excretion. LASIX (Furosemide) can be administered orally or intravenously, according to patient’s condition.
Who should not take LASIX (Furosemide)?
LASIX (Furosemide) is contraindicated in the patients with hearing problems, renal insufficiency, chronic or acute renal failure, electrolytic or water imbalance, pre-existing sunburns or photosensitivity, liver problems, gout, diabetes. If you allergic to any types of sulpha drugs, you should not take LASIX (Furosemide). According to Food and Drug Administration, LASIX (Furosemide) is classified as a Pregnancy category – C drug and it better to avoid in pregnancy and lactation. LASIX (Furosemide) can cross-react with some of the drugs such as pain medications, salicylates, lithium, digoxin, corticosteroids, broad spectrum antibiotics like streptomycin and gentamicin.
LASIX (Furosemide) Side Effects:
LASIX (Furosemide) can cause mild to serious side effects. Some of the mild adverse events associated with LASIX (Furosemide) are blurred vision, headache, irregular heart beats, gastric upset with infrequent diarrhoea and dizziness. The serious adverse events of LASIX (Furosemide) are frequent vomiting, gout, dehydration, dry mouth with thirst, hearing loss, uncommonly frequent urination, sun burns, temporary or permanent hearing loss and general fatigue. These symptoms may subside if LASIX (Furosemide) treatment is discontinued.
How should I take LASIX (Furosemide)?
The recommended adult dosage for the LASIX (Furosemide) is 80 mg that can be divided in to two doses of 40 mg. LASIX (Furosemide) can be administered alone or along with other anti-hypertensive drugs. The following instruction should be followed to take the LASIX (Furosemide) – 80 mg (Daily): (1) Take LASIX (Furosemide) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take LASIX (Furosemide) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take LASIX (Furosemide) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take LASIX (Furosemide) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take LASIX (Furosemide) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow LASIX (Furosemide) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep LASIX (Furosemide) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking LASIX (Furosemide) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
How should I take LASIX (Furosemide)?
Take LASIX (Furosemide) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
LASIX (Furosemide) can be taken with or without food.
For LASIX (Furosemide) dosage one must follow his doctor’s instructions.
It is important to take LASIX (Furosemide) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
Most of the OTC drugs may interfere with LASIX (Furosemide) and hence you should avoid taking it with out doctor’s advice.
Perform serum electrolytes renal, liver and lipid profiles regularly while you take LASIX (Furosemide).
Take plenty of water and fluids and avoid dehydration by strenuous exercise and hot weather conditions.
Take potassium supplements as advised by your Physician.
Protect your skin from direct sunlight and sunburns.
Check you blood pressure regularly to monitor the benefits of LASIX (Furosemide).
Do not stop taking LASIX (Furosemide) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
Store LASIX (Furosemide) as per the instructions on the label.
Keep LASIX (Furosemide) away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of LASIX (Furosemide)?
Take the missed dose of LASIX (Furosemide) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take LASIX (Furosemide) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of LASIX (Furosemide)?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately.