LASIX

Drug Uses
Lasix is used for treatment of 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.

How Taken
Use Lasix as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Lasix with a meal. 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.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Lasix, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Lasix, if you haveuid 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 pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are 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. Some medicines may interact with Lasix. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Lasix if you are unable to urinate or you are taking ethacrynic acid. Lasix may affect your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic 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. 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. 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 more sensitive to the sun. 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. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Lasix and might require a lower dose. Use Lasix with caution in children. They may be more sensitive to its effects.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Dizziness, lightheadedness, sensitivity to sunlight. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- 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.

Storage
Store Lasix at 68 and 77 F (20 and 25 °C), excursions permitted to 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lasix out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Lasix overdose are- 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.

More Information
Lasix may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may worsen if Lasix is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Lasix with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Lasix should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.