LASIX (FUROSEMIDE)

Lasix Description

Lasix is a loop diuretic that prevents your body from accumulating excess fluid due to heart failure. This does not mean your heart has stopped working, but rather that your heart’s ability to pump as it should has become weaker. Without being able to pump sufficient oxygen and nutrients around your body as required, some of this blood remains in chambers and stretches your heart muscle walls. This results in your kidneys retaining extra fluid and sodium that can cause it to build up in your body.

How Lasix Helps to Prevent Excess Fluid in Your Body

When your heart cannot properly pump blood around your body as it is designed to do, fluid can build up in your lungs and cause breathlessness or can settle in your ankles and legs and in other tissues and cause edema (swelling).

Lasix or generic Furosemide interferes with the transportation of salt and water across certain cells in your kidneys which increases your urine output. This helps to get rid of fluid build-up to reduce swelling in various parts of your body, including your lungs breathing is easier. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Lasix Can Also Help to Lower Your Blood Pressure

People diagnosed with hypertension can also benefit from a prescription for Lasix in order to help lower their blood pressure. As Lasix is designed to increase fluid excretion from your body, your total blood volume is reduced. High blood pressure does not display many symptoms and is usually diagnosed through your annual physical exam. It is referred to as a silent killer as a result of people being unaware of the pressure their blood is exerting through arteries and vessels.

Before You Take Lasix

Talk with your physician about any current health conditions you have that could interfere with taking Lasix, including kidney or liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, or gout. List all current meds you take or use to avoid a negative reaction with Lasix. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before starting on Lasix to be certain of its safety.

Precautions for Lasix

Be aware of possible signs of dehydration while taking Lasix such as dry mouth, increased thirst, and decreased urine output. Until you know how your body will react to Lasix, avoid operating a vehicle, machinery, or other tasks that require you to be steady and alert.

Keep all medications out of children’s reach and away from pets and never share your drugs with anyone. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without talking to your doctor as this could result in a higher risk of an adverse reaction occurring.

Possible Side Effects of Lasix

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Mild itching or rash