Lasix – congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorder medicine

What is Lasix?

Lasix is the brand name of Sanofi-Aventis for the diuretic furosemide. This loop diuretic is used mainly in the treatment of high blood pressure and edema. It is commonly used to combat fluid retention caused by congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and kidney failure.

How does Lasix work?
Lasix bottle

Lasix works by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. This causes a decrease in overall blood volume which in turn lowers blood pressure.

What does Lasix look like?

Lasix is presented as an elliptical white tablet of 20 mg strength and round white tablets of 40 and 80 mg strength.

Lasix dosing and administration

The recommended starting dose of Lasix for high blood pressure is 40 mg twice daily. Depending on how your respond to this and how you tolerate Lasix, your doctor may adjust this dose. The full effect of Lasix in lowering blood pressure may not be apparent for several weeks. The dosage for edema ranges from 20 mg to 600 mg daily. It may be prescribed as a regular medication or the doctor may recommend taking it only when required for fluid retention. The standard initial dosage for Lasix for children is 2 mg per day. This may be increased by the doctor up to 6 mg for each kilogram of body weight.

How should I take Lasix?

Lasix should be taken exactly as prescribed and the dosage should not be increased without consultation with your doctor. Because Lasix will make you urinate more frequently you may experience dehydration. Your doctor may advise you to use a potassium supplement. It is important to have regular blood tests and sometimes kidney and liver function tests to check that there are no adverse effects from Lasix.

What are the possible adverse effects of Lasix?

The most common side effects of Lasix may include constipation of diarrhea, vision disturbances, headache, vertigo, anemia, fever and hypersensitivity to the sun. More serious effects may include dizziness or fainting, dehydration, jaundice, tinnitus, hyperglycemia, or allergic reactions. If you experience any of these problems you should consult your doctor immediately.

Contraindications for Lasix

The use of Lasix may be contraindicated if you have any drug or chemical allergies, fluid or electrolyte problems, lupus, diabetes, liver or kidney disease or difficulty passing urine. If you are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding you should discuss this with your doctor before taking Lasix.

What if I miss a dose of Lasix?

If you have been prescribed a regular dose of Lasix and you miss a dose, you should take that dose when you remember. However, if it is near to the time your next dose is due, you should skip the first dose. Under no circumstances should you take a double dose of Lasix.

What if I take an accidental overdose of Lasix?

Symptoms of Lasix overdose included tinnitus, anorexia, weakness, vertigo, confusion and fainting. If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of Lasix, you should seek emergency medical attention.