What is Lasix?
Lasix is a water pill which prevents the body from absorbing huge amounts of salt thereby permitting the salt to be passed in the urine. The medication is classified as diuretic which functions by raising the total salt and water amount which the kidneys take away from the blood thus causing a reduction in blood volume. The medication is available in tablet or pill form that is generally consumed once or twice in a day.
Also, Lasix helps in treating edema or fluid retention in individuals having liver disease, kidney disorder or congestive heart failure. The medication is even used in treating the problem of hypertension.
How to take Lasix?
It is recommended that you take the medication orally with or without consuming water, generally one or two times in a day or as instructed by the doctor. It is important to measure the dosage properly with the help of a dropper. The dose prescribed is actually based on the medical condition you have. In case of children, dosage more than 6 mg per kg of body weight is not recommended.
It is further important to use the medicine on a regular basis to get best of benefits. Remember using the medication at same time of day as instructed. It is good to continue consuming the medication even when you feel you have become well. A large number of individuals having high blood pressure feel fine and so it is imperative not to stop taking the drug without consulting the medical practitioner.
What happens if I miss Lasix dose?
Lasix or furosemide is usually taken once so there is no dosage schedule as such. If you take the medication on a daily basis, take yoru missed dose when you remember. And in case it is time to take your next dosage, better skip that missed dose. It is advisable not to take extra dose in order to compensate for the missed one.
Precautions while taking Lasix
Before using Lasix, better inform your doctor in case you are allergic to some drugs or if you suffer from any allergies. The medication may include inactive ingredients that can cause reactions. Moreover, talk to the pharmacist for further details and precautions. People having liver disease should also discuss with the doctor about the effects of this drug on the medical condition.
Like other drugs and medications, people need to be observed on a daily basis to ensure that there is no occurrence of liver and kidney damage, idiosyncratic reactions and blood dyscrasias.
Lasix may even reduce the blood sugar for people having diabetes. Such people should actually discuss with the physician about the medication and if they are fit to take it. Also, if there is some special monitoring required, it is better to get it done. Your doctor may advise you to raise the number of blood sugar checkups every day.
Side effects of Lasix
Some of the common side effects of this drug include dizziness, sensitivity to sun, upset stomach and low levels of blood potassium. Further, the common effect faced is that of dehydration. As kidneys are removed of the salt, some necessary fluids and nutrients are also lost. And thus patients require taking huge amounts of water or get intravenous fluids in order to prevent complications. Other possible side effects of Lasix are nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. Some people even develop some kind of ringing sound in ears along with light sensitivity. It has been found that allergic reactions to the medication are rare but they can cause the problem of skin hives and airway constriction.
Interactions of Lasix with other drugs
Lasix should not be taken with ethacrynic acid as it may develop ototoxicity. People getting high dosage of salicylates alongside this medication may face salicylate toxicity due to rental excretory sites. The medication may even add to the therapeutic effects of antihypertensive drugs thereby wishing a reduction in dose of such drugs.
Lasix storage
The medication needs to be stored properly at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C and away from moisture and light. It is advisable not to freeze the drug or keep it in the bathroom. More so, when you have opened the bottle, refer to the label about the time to discard the drug. Keep the medicine away from kids and pets.
Important information about Lasix
Before taking the drug, better tell the doctor if you suffer from liver disease, kidney problem, diabetes, allergies, lupus or gout. To ensure that the medication is not causing any side effects, you need to get your blood tested on a daily basis. The liver or kidney function may also require proper testing.
Lastly, Lasix will result in more urination and you may feel dehydrated. Following the doctor’s instructions regarding use of potassium supplements or taking sufficient amount of potassium and salt in the diet will be of great help.
