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 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? 1) Lasix is used to reduce swelling. swelling
is also known as edema. Edema can be caused by a variety of other medical conditions such as heart
failure, liver disease or kidney disease. 2)Lasix can also be used to treat high blood
pressure. Dosing:
i am just looking at the tablets and the tablets for the 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 40mg daily with
the goal of dosing twice daily. If you are interested in other
BP medications click on this link above! 18 TIPs about LASIX for better symptom management
1) Lasix usually makes you urinate more 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 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 eat more potassium rich food such as bananas, potatoes or oranges.
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 have a discussion about 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. 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 couple with loss
of potassium, magnesium and calcium .This may predispose you to cardiac arrhythmias. 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 on the loops of the kidneys where Lasix is effective.
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. Bonus tip: Do not use Lasix to treat the
edema from venous insufficiency. Here I would recommend to avoid 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. If you are interested in other videos,
click right here or here and have a good day and think your health.