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Lasix, Lo-Aqua, |Lasix

Lasix

Generic Name: furosemide (fur OH se mide)
Brand Names: Lasix, Lo-Aqua

What is furosemide?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.

Furosemide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Furosemide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about furosemide?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Furosemide will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor"s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking furosemide.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking furosemide?

Before using furosemide, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use furosemide, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I take furosemide?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Furosemide will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor"s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Furosemide is sometimes used only once, so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking furosemide?

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking furosemide.

What are the possible side effects of furosemide

• dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;

• feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;

• fast or uneven heartbeat;

• muscle pain or weakness;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;

• hearing loss; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue taking furosemide and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;

• headache;

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;

• dizziness; or

• blurred vision.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect furosemide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• lithium;

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);

• diet pills or cold medicine;

• other blood pressure medications;

• amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi);

• salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan"s Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or

• indomethacin.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use furosemide, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect furosemide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about furosemide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Furosemide is available with a prescription under the brand name Lasix. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Lasix 20 mg--oval, white tablets

• Lasix 40 mg--round, white, scored tablets

• Lasix 80 mg--round, white, faceted edge, scored tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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