About the Drug and its uses

Lasix is the drug which is otherwise known as furosemide. It is also called as loop diuretic which makes the body not to absorb excess salts and allowing the salt to be sent out through the urine. Lasix is the drug which helps in treating the retention of fluid in the people suffering from kidney disorder like Nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure and liver disease. Lasix is also used for managing the hypertension condition too. Loop diuretics are the chemicals which make the kidneys to excrete excess amount of water and electrolytes compared to normal amounts. Loop diuretics are used in treating situations where the water retention and salt is a problem.

Normally kidneys are the organs which excrete the salt, water and other molecules from the blood. The tubules of the kidneys which have the excreted substances ultimately transforms into urine. Before the filtered fluid that is there in the kidney tubules is sent out in the form of urine, it is used for reabsorption of salt and water into the blood again. But, the drug Lasix will aid in inhibiting the reabsorption of salts and water from the kidney tubules into the blood. This will result in increased urine concentration and output.

The drug action is found to start one hour after the administration of drug orally. The diuresis process is known to continue for about six to eight hours. The injection that is given will show its effect after five minutes of administration and the diuresis period is two hours. The diuretic action of Lasix can result in removal of sodium, minerals, body water and chloride.

The oral tablets have to be taken at the dosage of 20mg, 40mg and 80mg. The oral solution is prepared at the dosage of 10mg/ml and 40mg/5ml. The injection is available at the dosage of 10mg/ml. The dosage that is effective can be taken one or two times daily. The children are given with the dosage of 2mg/kg. For every six hours one to two mg/kg of Lasix can be increased. The usual recommended dosage is 40mg given two times in a day.

Common side effects of Lasix are

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth and excessive thirst
• Weight loss suddenly
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness in feet or hands
• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Bleeding under the skin
• Ringing in the ears

Serious side effects of Lasix are

• Irregular heartbeat
• Reduced urine output
• Severe dizziness
• Severe stomach pain
• Peeling skin
• Anemia symptoms
• Enhanced sensitivity to sunlight
• Infection due to fever, mouth ulcers, shivering and sore throat
• Gout
• Nosebleeds
• Severe deafness in the ears
• Incontinence

Rare side effects of Lasix are

• Chest pangs
• Allergy signs
• Lock jaw
• Rapid pulse
• Jaundice
• Red spots and itchy spots same as measles rashes
• Fainting

Precautions to be taken to avoid side effects

The usage of Lasix must be stopped if the person is allergic to the drug. If the person is not able to urinate or if the person is taking ethacrynic acid and chloral hydrate, then the drug Lasix has to be stopped from taking. It is necessary to inform the doctor about the below conditions while taking Lasix.

• If the person is breast feeding or pregnant.
• Prescription and non-prescription medicines, dietary supplement and herbal preparation.
• The fluid in the abdomen, liver disease, bladder problems, hearing problems, diabetes, low urine output, kidney problems, prostate problems, gout, lupus, high uric acid levels in the blood, blood electrolytes present abnormally, blood disease porphyria and low protein levels in the blood.
• If there is any heart attack or is dehydrated or is eating the diet with less sodium.
• If the person takes in high quantities of licorice or take laxatives.
• If the person is allergic to sulfonamides, foods, medicines and other substances.

The Lasix is also found to be interacting with the drugs like corticosteroids, barbiturates, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, chloral hydrate, phenytoin and cephalosporin. The people suffering from diabetes have to consult doctor before taking this drug.