What is Lasix?
Lasix is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.
Lasix treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
It may also be used for treating fluid build-up and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat fluid build-up in the lungs.
What is the most important information I should know about Lasix?
Do not use Lasix if you are unable to urinate.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
To be sure Lasix is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Lasix will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor’s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking this medication.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Lasix even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
How to use Lasix?
Use Furosemide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Lasix is usually given as an injection at your doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Lasix at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Lasix. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Do not use Lasix if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- Lasix may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
- If you miss a dose of Lasix, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Important safety information
- Lasix may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lasix with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Lasix may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Diabetes patients - Lasix may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Blood pressure should be monitored when taking Lasix.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you use Lasix. Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that also has potassium in it.
- Lasix may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lasix. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Lasix. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lasix while you are pregnant. Lasix is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lasix, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Lasix
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal skin sensations; bladder spasm; blurred vision; constipation; cramping; dizziness; dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position; feeling of whirling motion; fever; headache; lightheadedness; mouth and stomach irritation; muscle spasm; nausea; redness; restlessness; seeing a yellow color; ringing in the ears; sensitivity to sunlight; vein inflammation.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; excessive urination; hearing loss; loss of appetite; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; sudden joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
