Lasix (furosemide) >> Lasix (furosemide) is a loop diuretic manufactured by Hoechst Roussel Pharmaceuticals and used to control high blood pressure and treat water retention caused by kidney failure, congestive heart failure and cirrhosis. This drug’s effects are based on increasing the amount of salt eliminated from the body through the kidneys. All the extra salt and water are then passed out through the urine, as a result the volume of blood decreases. This is why Lasix can be used for both hypertension and fluid retention. The tablet of Lasix is usually taken once or twice a day and depending on the condition that requires treatment the dose may be completely different – which is why it’s so important that you consult a qualified health care professional before taking this medicine. You may be first started on a lower dose to see how well you respond to it. The usual dose for high blood pressure treatment is 40 mg twice a day, while if Lasix is prescribed for the treatment of fluid retention the dose starts at 20 mg and can reach 600 mg a day. You may need to take Lasix when needed (i.e. when you have fluid retention), while taking this medicine for the treatment of high blood pressure will probably require you to keep taking this medication for the rest of your life. Since your dosage and routine of taking Lasix will be based on the medical conditions you have, the drugs you are taking and the way your body responds to the treatment, make sure you observe the dosage and take Lasix exactly according to the instructions of your health care provider. The following medical conditions may affect your treatment if you do not let your health care provider know about them all: lupus, kidney or liver disease, allergy to sulpha drugs or diabetes. If you are unable to urinate you will not be able to take this medication safely so your health care provider may recommend an alternative. Due to some of the conditions mentioned above your health care provider will want you to show up for regular appointments for your blood and liver function to be tested.

If you have to take Lasix for a long time (to treat high blood pressure) you should be aware of the mild and more serious effects that are possible. Mild side effects that usually go away on their own without any need for you to get worried include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, numbness or tingling. More serious side effects must be reported to your doctor as soon as possible and you should stop taking Lasix for that time. The following are considered to be serious side effects: muscle weakness and pain, blistering skin rash, hearing loss, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth and thirst, restlessness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, easy bruising or bleeding, clay-colored stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Do not take more of this medicine than recommended by your doctor. Taking more can cause the symptoms of an overdose, such as weakness, confusion, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, ringing in your ears and loss of appetite. In that case make sure you seek emergency medical assistance and tell the doctor that you have taken too much of Lasix. Lasix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and as a result it can be easier to get a sun burn. It’s important that you avoid direct sunlight as well as artificial UV rays (in sun beds etc). If you have to stay outside for a long time wear some protective clothes and make sure you apply sunscreen with an SPF of minimum 15. While taking Lasix you may also become dehydrated – ask your doctor for specific dietary instructions that you will follow while taking this drug. You may be recommended to take potassium supplements and consume enough salt in your diet to avoid dehydration.

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