What is Lasix?
Lasix is the brand name for Furosemide. We refer to this prescription medication sometimes as a “water pill” because we use it as a diuretic to reduce extra fluid in your body.
How does Lasix work?
Lasix (Furosemide) makes you urinate more by working in a specific place in your kidneys called the loop of Henle. That is why Lasix belongs to the family of loop diuretics. It works in the kidneys to get rid of extra water and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium). In this way Lasix helps reduce your swelling and can also lower your blood pressure.
What is Lasix used for?
- Lasix is used to reduce swelling(edema). Edema can be caused by a variety of other medical conditions such as heart failure, liver disease or kidney disease.
- Lasix can also be used to treat high blood pressure.
Dosing:
Prescription
Tablets doses are 20mg, 40mg and 80mg.
Doses are typically started at 20mg and can be up titrated gradually to manage edema symptoms. If it is used to treat blood pressure your Doctor will use higher doses, starting at 40 mg daily with the goal of dosing twice daily.
18 TIPs about LASIX for better symptom management!
1.Lasix (Furosemide) usually makes you urinate within 1 hour of taking the medication. This effect lasts 6 to 8 hours. Do not take Lasix too late in the day or at nighttime as you might always ending up running to the bathroom.
Dizzy
2.Lasix can cause dizziness or make your blood pressure suddenly drop down, especially in the first couple of days when you start the drug. Take your time when you are getting up or esp. if you are going up and down stairs
3.Lasix can affect your electrolytes such as potassium or sodium. Your provider will have to check your metabolic profile occasionally.
4.If you are on Lasix and your potassium is consistently low, your Doctor might decide to place you on potassium supplements. Another alternative is eating more potassium rich food such as bananas, potatoes, or oranges.
pills and medication side effects
5.Lasix can increase the chance of a sunburn as it is photosensitive. When exposed to the sun make sure you are adequately protected by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.
6.If you do have a Sulfa allergy, please tell your Doctor as your Doctor may need to use another kind of diuretic.
7.If you have diabetes Lasix can increase your blood sugars. Make sure you monitor your blood sugars.
8.This medication can exacerbate gout attacks. Lasix can increase urination, which reduces the amount of fluid in your body. But the remaining fluid is more concentrated, which can increase the risk that you’ll develop the crystals that cause gout. If you are prone to them or at risk discuss this with your Doctor.
9.If you have Lupus, this drug can make your Lupus active or get worse. Tell your doctor right away if you get any new or worse signs or symptoms.
Acute renal failure
10.In older adults the general rule is to start a lower dose usually 20mg in the morning and the dose can be titrated to manage symptoms gradually.
11.Lasix can lead to acute renal failure, especially in older adults, because of fluid loss. This fluid loss can be coupled with loss of potassium, magnesium and calcium .This may predispose you to cardiac arrythmias. Your Doctor will have to judiciously dose your medication by getting regular blood draws as well as backing down on the dose to avoid renal failure.
12.Lasix can cause ear ringing and, in some cases, hearing loss. These are generally reversible, however, there have been cases reported which are irreversible.
13.There have been cases reported of severe allergic reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome & toxic epidermal necrolysis. In such cases immediately rush to the Hospital for emergency care.
14.GI are symptoms can occur such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Here your Doctor can adjust the dosing or the timing of the medication to minimize side effects.
15.Make sure that you do drink water especially in the heat of summer or if you are exercising and sweating. You might be feeling nauseous or unwell because of the combined effect of Lasix and dehydration
16.If you have a feeling your Lasix is not working, make sure that the other instructions which you should be following are being adhered to such as reducing your salt intake. Reducing the amount of sodium, you are taking can increase the effectivity of Lasix on the loops of the kidneys.
17.Lasix can rarely affect your blood count. Your Doctor should follow up with a complete blood count at least yearly.
18.Sometimes this medication can cause an abnormality when checking your thyroid levels. If that is the case your Doctor might want to repeat your thyroid panel to verify the results.
19.Do not use Lasix to treat the edema from venous insufficiency. Here I would recommend avoiding sitting or standing too long, go for walks to activate your calf muscle pump and your compression stockings. This helps with blood flow to your heart.
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Sources:
- Uptodate/lasix
- https://www.goodrx.com/lasix
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018487s043lbl.pdf
- www.rxlist.com
