Lasix

 
Generic Name: furosemide

Brands: Lasix, Lo-Aqua

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What is the most important information I should know about Lasix?

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Lasix early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Promptly report any muscle weakness or cramps to your doctor.

 

What is Lasix?

· Lasix is in a class of drugs called loop diuretics (water pills). It decreases the amount of fluid in the body by increasing the amount of salt and water lost in the urine.

· Lasix is used to reduce swelling in the body caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.

· Lasix may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lasix?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·an allergy to sulfa medicines such as sulfa-based antibiotics,     ·kidney disease,     ·liver disease,     ·diabetes mellitus,     ·gout, or     ·systemic lupus erythematosus.

· You may not be able to take Lasix, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Lasix is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lasix will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Lasix without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Lasix passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lasix without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Lasix?

· Take Lasix exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Lasix early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· It is important to take Lasix regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Lasix suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.

· Store Lasix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember within 12 hours. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

· If you take more than one dose daily, take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Lasix overdose include weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, confusion, irregular pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

 

What should I avoid while taking Lasix?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Lasix.

 

What are the possible side effects of Lasix

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lasix and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·muscle cramps or weakness;     ·an irregular heartbeat;     ·abdominal pain or diarrhea;     ·low blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, fatigue); or     ·decreased hearing.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lasix and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dry mouth or increased thirst;     ·headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;     ·constipation;     ·increased sensitivity to sunlight;     ·a rash;     ·jaundice (yellow skin or eyes);     ·ringing in the ears;     ·nausea;     ·easy bleeding or bruising; or     ·numbness in the hands or feet.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Lasix?

· Before taking Lasix tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:     ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);     ·probenecid (Benemid);     ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), fenoprofen (Nalfon), ketorolac (Toradol), or flurbiprofen (Ansaid); or     ·a diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

· You may not be able to take Lasix, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Also, before taking Lasix, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine to treat high blood pressure, water retention, heart problems, prostate problems, or another condition. Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact with Lasix and the effects on your heart may be increased.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lasix. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Lasix written for health professionals that you may read.

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