Lasix - Desal
furosemide
Lasix (Desal) is mainly used for treating high blood pressure and also for removing excess water from the body. Lasix is also used for treating other conditions like congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney dysfunction. In cases of high blood pressure Lasix is effective alone or used as a combined therapy for high blood pressure. The loop diuretic is useful for eliminating body urine thereby lowering the blood pressure. Lasix is also useful for treating patients who suffer from accumulation of fluid in the lung.
Important Information
Lasix action is quick usually within an hour however, in case of blood pressure, the lowering of blood pressure happens only gradually and it might take several weeks for complete cure. Lasix does not lower the blood pressure but helps to maintain it under controlled levels.
Drug Administration
Lasix is taken only exactly as directed by the physician.
Missed Dose
In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.
Drug Storage
Lasix comes in an air tight container and must be stored away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Lasix Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Lasix include:
- Anemia
- Blood disorders
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dizziness upon standing
- Fever
- Headache
- Hearing impairment
- High blood sugar level
- Hives
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Low potassium leading to symptoms like: Dry mouth, Excessive thirst
- Weak or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Muscular spasms
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Reddish or purplish spots on the skin
- Restlessness
- Ringing in the ears
- Light sensitivity
- Eruptions on skin
- Inflammation of skin
- Flaking of skin
- Stomach or mouth irritation
- Tingling feeling or pins and needles
- Vertigo
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Pigmentation of eyes and skin
Precautions
- Lasix should not be used if you are allergic to one or more ingredients of the drug.
- Lasix also should not be used if you are not able to urinate properly.
Administration of Lasix canlead to loss of potassium, which is indicated by symptoms like weakness of muscles, fast or irregular heart beat. Administering potassium substitute and consuming potassium rich foods like banana, raisins, orange juice etc can help to overcome the potassium loss.
It is wise to inform doctor if you suffer from:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Connective tissue disease
- Lupus erythematosus
Drug Checklists
If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, then you might be allergic to Lasix.
You should avoid any counter medications that might increase the blood pressure. It is especially important to consult the doctor if you take the following medications like:
- Amino glycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin
- Aspirin or any salicylates
- Ethacrynic acid
- Indomethacin
- Lithium
- Norepinephrine
- Other high blood pressure medications such as terazosin and doxazosin
- Sucralfate
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
The effect of Lasix during pregnancy is not known clearly. However, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, it is wise to consult the doctor regarding lasix administration. Lasix is identified in the breast milk and is recommended not taking the drug by breast feeding mothers.
Lasix Dosage
The recommended dosage amount of Lasix in case of:
- Fluid retention: In case of fluid retention, the recommended drug dosage is 20 to 80mg that is repeated after 6 to 8 hours. The drug amount is incremented by 20 to 40mg in every successive administration. The drug is administered once or twice daily and the maximum allowed dose per day is 600mg.
- High Blood Pressure: In case of high blood pressure in adults, the recommended dosage amount is 80mg per day, which is divided into 2 doses. The dosage amount is adjusted as per the body requirements. Among children, the recommended dosage amount is 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Further drug dosage increment might occur to 1 to 2 mg per 2.2 pounds depending upon the body needs of the child. The doses are given after 6 to 8 hours and the maximum allowed dose per day is 6mg.
Drug Overdose
In case of drug overdose contact nearest emergency care center and drug overdose symptoms include:
- Dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weak or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness or drowsiness
