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|Lasix

Lasix

Lasix is used for:

Treating high blood pressure or water retention (swelling) associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lasix is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) are a problem.

Do NOT use Lasix if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lasix
• you are unable to urinate
• you are taking ethacrynic acid

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lasix :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lasix . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have fluid in your abdomen (ascites), hearing problems, liver disease, diabetes, low urine output, kidney problems, lupus, gout, abnormal blood electrolyte levels, high blood uric acid levels, or the blood disease porphyria
• if you have had a heart attack, are dehydrated, or are on a low-salt diet
• if you are allergic to sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lasix . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or corticotropin (ACTH) because the risk of low blood potassium levels may be increased
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or narcotics (eg, codeine) because the risk of dizziness upon standing may be increased
• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), amphotericin B, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), cyclosporine, ethacrynic acid, tacrolimus, or vancomycin because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) or ears (hearing loss) may occur
• Chloral hydrate because side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure, may occur
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because they may decrease Lasix "s effectiveness
• Digoxin, lithium, medicines for high blood pressure, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or succinylcholine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lasix
• Norepinephrine or tubocurarine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Lasix

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lasix may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lasix :

Use Lasix as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Lasix by mouth with or without food.
• If you take cholestyramine, colestipol, or sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Lasix .
• 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lasix .

Important safety information:

• Lasix may cause dizziness or blurred vision. 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.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lasix before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you take Lasix . Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that also has potassium in it.
• Lasix is a strong diuretic. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• 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 blood pressure and complete blood 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.
• Use Lasix with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration.
• Caution is advised when using Lasix in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• 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:

Dizziness; lightheadedness; sensitivity to sunlight.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); calf pain or tenderness; confusion; dark urine; decreased or persistent increased urination; drowsiness; dry mouth; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hearing decrease or loss; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; restlessness; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness; shortness of breath; sluggishness; stomach pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst or hunger; unusual tiredness or weakness; vein inflammation; yellow vision; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dehydration; electrolyte imbalance (weakness; drowsiness; severe or persistent dizziness; muscle pain or cramps; unusual thirst; dry mouth; unusual tiredness; racing heartbeat; excessive urination; restlessness; irregular heart rhythms; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting); low blood pressure.

Store Lasix at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat and moisture in a tight, light-resistant container. Exposure to light may cause a slight discoloration. Do not take discolored tablets. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lasix out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lasix , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Lasix is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lasix . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.