Drug title

Lasix (Furosemide)

Usage indications

Lasix (Furosemide) is a powerful diuretic. This drug is used for the treatment of liquid excess amount and body edema caused by heart insufficiency, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney insufficiency and nephritic syndrome.

This drug is sometimes used in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure treatment.

Application mode

Take this drug on doctor’s prescription only. Take each pill with full glass of water. It is recommended to take drug during a day for night urination decrease unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended to take furosemid regularly and full course to obtain maximum effect. The earlier stop is contra indicated even in case of symptoms improvement

Drug class and mechanism of action

Lasix is a powerful diuretic. It blocks the absorption of salt and liquid at liver channels by thus increasing diuresis. The furosemid diuretic effect can cause organism dehydration and the decrease of electrolyte level in blood. 

Thorough medical examination is required during the treatment process.

Missed doses

Take missed dose within 12 hours from the moment of dose intake missed time. Miss the dose in case if you remember about it after more than 12 hours and return to your usual intake schedule. Double dosage intake is prohibited.

In case if more than 2 doses had been taken within one day take miss dose not later than 2 hours after planned time. Miss the dose if the time had been missed and return to your usual schedule. Double dosage intake is prohibited.

Store

Store Lasix at room temperature of 25 C degrees (77°F) and keep away from light.

Warning /precautions

Patients suffering from sulfonamide allergy might have allergy for furosemide due to these drugs chemical structure identity.

This drug is contra indicated in case of liver insufficiency. Though furosemid is important for excess liquid treatment for patients suffering from liver cirrhosis, sudden loss of liquid and electrolithes of such patients can worsen kidneys function right up to coma. Furosemid can decrease the level of potassium, sodium and magnesium in blood. Potassium and magnesium low content in blood can cause heart disfunction especially at patients already taking digoxyn (Lanoxin).

The level of urinary acid can increase during treatment. The drug increases toxic action of aminoglycozides antibiotics especially at the patients suffering from kidneys disfunction. This drug decreases the lithium removal from kidneys and cause lithium intoxication. Furosemid can cause kidneys disfunction if taken together with aspirin or other non- steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID). Periodical blood tests are required for kidneys function and electrolithes level monitoring during treatment with this drug.

Side effects

As a rule the following side effect might occur: low blood pressure, dehydration and the decrease of electrolithes level in blood. 

The less widespread side effects are yellowing, ear ringing, light sensitivity, rash, pancreatitis, stomach pain, giddiness, anemia and other blood diseases.

Additional information

Contact your doctor immediately and stop this drug intake in case if the following side effects occur:

• Allergic reaction (breathing difficulties, breathing ways narrowing, lips, tongue, face edema or rash);
• Muscle spasms or weakness;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Stomach pain, diarrhea;
• Low blood pressure (weakness, giddiness, increased tiredness), or hearing decrease.

Other less serious side effect might occur as well. Continue this drug intake and contact your doctor in case if the following side effects arise:

• Mouth dryness or increased thirst;
• Headache, giddiness;
• constipations;
• increased sensitivity to sun light;
• rash;
• yellowing (skin or eyes yellowing);
• ears ringing;
• nausea;
• light bleeding or bruises,or
• hands or legs dumbness.
• other side effects not listed here.