|
Generic Lasix (BRAND ONLY!!): 40 mg
Category : Blood Pressure
Contents : Furosemide
About your Drug
Drug Class : What
is Lasix and why is it prescribed?
Drug Mechanism : How
does Lasix work?
Dosage : How
should you take Lasix?
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking this medications
Special information on Lasix
Lasix side effects
Drug Class: What is Lasix
and why is it prescribed?
Lasix, Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill). It is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid
(water) from the body. These conditions include congestive heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. When used to
treat high blood pressure, Lasix is effective alone
or in combination with other high blood pressure medications.
Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which
helps lower blood pressure. Lasix is classified as
a "loop diuretic" because of its point of action in the
kidneys.
Top
Drug Mechanism: How does
Lasix work?
Furosemide is a "loop"
diuretic that works within the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid
and sodium (salt). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of
salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, thus causing increased excretion
of water, sodium, and chloride into the urine to be expelled from
the body (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can
cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical
supervision is necessary during treatment.
Top
Dosage: How should you take
Lasix?
Take Lasix exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. Your doctor will adjust the dosages of this strong
diuretic to meet your specific needs.
Top
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Lasix
If Lasix is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased,
or altered. It is especially important to consult with your doctor
before taking Lasix with any of the following: Aminoglycoside
antibiotics such as Garamycin,, Aspirin and other salicylates, Ethacrynic
acid (Edecrin), Indomethacin (Indocin), Lithium (Lithonate), Norepinephrine
(Levophed), Other high blood pressure medications such as Hytrin
and Cardura, Sucralfate (Carafate).
Top
Special information on Lasix
Special information on Lasix if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding: The effects of Lasix during
pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Lasix
appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
If Lasix is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is
finished. Most Important Fact about Lasix: Lasix acts
quickly, usually within 1 hour. However, since blood pressure
declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full
benefit of Lasix; and you must continue taking Lasix
even if you are feeling well. Lasix does not cure high
blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
Top
Lasix effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon
as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you
to continue taking Lasix. Side effects of Lasix may
include: Anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision, constipation,
cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, dizziness upon standing, fever, headache,
hearing loss, high blood sugar, hives, itching, loss of appetite,
low potassium (leading to symptoms like dry mouth, excessive
thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), muscle
spasms, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, restlessness,
ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions, skin
inflammation and flaking, stomach or mouth irritation, tingling
or pins and needles, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weakness,
yellow eyes and skin.
Top
|
