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What is Lasix
 Lasix
is in a class of drugs called loop diuretics (water pills).
It decreases the amount of fluid in the body by increasing
the amount of salt and water lost in the urine.
Lasix
is used to reduce swelling in the body caused by congestive
heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Lasix
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Lasix
To reduce nighttime urination, take Lasix early in
the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Promptly report any muscle weakness or cramps to your doctor.
What you should find out before taking
Lasix
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- an allergy to sulfa medicines such as
sulfa-based antibiotics,
- kidney disease,
-
liver disease,
- diabetes mellitus,
- gout,
or
- systemic lupus erythematosus.
You may
not be able to take Lasix, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
Lasix is in the FDA
pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
Lasix will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Lasix
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
Lasix
passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.
Do not take Lasix without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Lasix Take Lasix exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
To reduce nighttime
urination, take Lasix early in the day unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
It is important to take
Lasix regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop
taking Lasix suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping
suddenly could make your condition worse.
Store Lasix
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose
as soon as you remember within 12 hours. If more than 12
hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only
the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double
dose of this medication.
If you take more than one
dose daily, take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If
more than 2 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and
take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take
a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Lasix overdose include weakness,
muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, confusion,
irregular pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
Avoid while taking Lasix Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the
side effects of Lasix.
Possible side effects of Lasix
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Lasix and seek emergency medical attention
or call your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- muscle cramps
or weakness;
- an irregular heartbeat;
- abdominal
pain or diarrhea;
- low blood pressure (weakness,
dizziness, fatigue); or
- decreased hearing.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take Lasix and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dry mouth or increased thirst;
- headache,
dizziness, or lightheadedness;
- constipation;
-
increased sensitivity to sunlight;
- a rash;
-
jaundice (yellow skin or eyes);
- ringing in the
ears;
- nausea;
- easy bleeding or bruising;
or
- numbness in the hands or feet.
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 Lasix Before taking Lasix tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medications:
- lithium (Lithobid,
Eskalith, others);
- probenecid (Benemid);
-
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve),
ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin),
diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone
(Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac
(Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), fenoprofen (Nalfon), ketorolac
(Toradol), or flurbiprofen (Ansaid); or
- a diabetes
medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase,
Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide
(Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
You
may not be able to take Lasix, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
are taking any of the medications listed above.
Also,
before taking Lasix, tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medicine to treat high blood pressure, water retention,
heart problems, prostate problems, or another condition.
Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact
with Lasix and the effects on your heart may be increased.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Lasix.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
