Furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, is a water pill used to help individuals get rid of extra fluid in the body by reducing the level of water and salt in the body. The medication is used to treat a number of diseases including high blood pressure.
How it works
There is a certain level of salt and water that our bodies can hold. When that limit is reached, excess salt and water are disposed through urine. But sometimes, this system is not as efficient and absorbs this excess salt in the body instead of releasing it. This results in various illnesses including hypertension and kidney problems. Lasix is used to get rid of this excess salt and water by making this process more efficient. This way, the edema (excess fluid in the body) is reduced to a great extent.
Lasix is used in the medical industry for a number of reasons. These include:
Reduces the effects such as increased edema that are caused due to kidney problems, liver disease and heart failure
Reduces swelling in arms, legs and abdomen
Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes by reducing blood pressure level
Reduces high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
The medication is taken once or twice on a daily basis. It can be consumed with or without food depending on the condition of the individual. Since the medication influences urination, it is best to take it during the day to avoid waking up in the night. For children, the dosage is based on the weight. For adults, however, the dosage is determined through age, medication condition and response to the treatment. If you are an older adult, start with a low dosage since you are more susceptible to be affected by the side effects.
When consuming this medication on the long term, you might/might not experience the following.
Severe pain in upper stomach
If you do experience any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for help.
Although the side effects of the medication is inevitable, the possibility of their occurrence can be reduced by adhering to the following guidelines.
Consume a lot of liquids, including tons of water, to avoid getting dehydrated
Do not increase your dose to enhance the effectiveness of the medication because doing so can result in hearing loss
Do not use a regular spoon to measure the medication.
Take regular blood tests to monitor your potassium levels
Store the medication away from moisture and heat
Do not use the medication while breastfeeding since it can slow milk production
Inform your physician about the medications you are currently using
Lasix can only be used for 3 months once the lid has been opened. Therefore, do not use the medication once the deadline has passed. Throw away the bottle and start using a new one.
If you recently had an MRI or if any kind of radio magnetic dye was injected into your veins, make sure to inform your doctor.