According to reports, Lasix side effects are a problem for some, but these side effects vary from person to person and are generally attributed to many different factors. Furosemide is the generic name of Lasix and it is available in oral preparations of 10mg/ml and 40mg/ml, tablet preparations of 20, 40 and 80 milligrams, and an injectable preparation of 10mg/ml.

In order to have a better understanding of possible Lasix side effects, it is important to know as much as possible about Lasix. From what it helps with to the side effects and how to deal with them, there are many things you need to consider before taking Lasix or Furosemide.

Lasix Uses

This prescription medication is considered a diuretic and is commonly used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, as well as fluid retention. As a diuretic, it aids in reducing accumulated excess fluid in your body via increasing the production of urine.

Lasix can also be used for treating edema, and other joint problems, which is characterized by swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, lungs, or the brain. Edema may also occur in the heart, kidney, or the liver. It can also be prescribed for people with severe kidney conditions. It is likewise possible that Lasix may be prescribed by your doctor in combination with other medication when treating your ailment.

Lasix Dosage

The Lasix dosage, as with all medication, is different with children and adults. For adults, your doctor may start you off with 20 to 80 mg daily in one dose. Sometimes, an increased dosage or the same dosage may be prescribed and should be taken about 6 to 8 hours after the first dose. In some cases, some may need 600 mg of Lasix daily. The dosage can also be increased by 20 to as much as 40 mg per dosage.

For children, the starting Lasix dose should be 2 mg per kilogram of the child’s body weight. It may be increased by 1 mg to a maximum of 2 mg every 6 hours. Doses of higher than 6 mg in children are not recommended. For patients with hypertension, a daily dose of 40 mg given in two separate doses is recommended. It is important to remember that you have an increased risk of Lasix side effects if you do not follow the dosage instructions given to you by your doctor.

Lasix Side Effects

If the following common Lasix side effects worry you to a significant degree, call your doctor or health care professional to see if they may be able to help.

• Extreme thirst and dry mouth
• General malaise / drowsiness
• Sudden weight loss
• Muscle spasms in your calf
• Tingling or numbness in feet or hands
• Muscle cramps or aches
• Restlessness
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Impaired or blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Unusual bruising or bleeding under your skin
• confusion
• Buzzing or ringing in the ears

If you experience the following, call your doctor to see if you require immediate medical attention since these are generally considered serious Lasix side effects. These are however considered uncommon.

• decreased urine passing
• fast or irregular heart beat
• severe dizziness or disorientation
• severe stomach pains along with vomiting or nausea
• peeling or flaking skin
• anemia symptoms
• increased sunlight sensitivity
• infection characterized by chills, fever, mouth ulcers, or sore throat
• bruising and bleeding with nosebleeds
• gout
• incontinence
• severe ringing or deafness in your ears

If you encounter one of these rare Lasix side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

• lockjaw
• chest pangs
• allergy signs
• jaundice
• having a weak or rapid pulse
• fainting
• itchy, red spots similar to measles rash

Lasix Drug Interactions

Lasix side effects may also be experienced as a result of the medicine interacting with another medicine. If you are taking any of the medications listed below, you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist to see why you were prescribed it. You should make sure your doctor knows what other medications you are taking before you talk to him about Lasix.

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics like Tobramycin, Neomycin, Streptomycin, Kanamycin, Amikacin, and Gentamicin.
• Other medications for hypertension
• Ethracrynic acid
• Chloral hydrate
• Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone
• Laxatives
• Lithium
• Licorice
• Cyclosporine Digoxin
• Methotrexate
• NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Celecobix, Etodolac, Ketorolac, Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Oxaprozin, and Nabumetone
• Sucralfate
• Salicylates like aspirin, salsalate, diflunisal, and choline magnesium trisalicylate

What You Should Tell your Doctor

If you have been prescribed Lasix Furosemide by your doctor, discuss with him if you have the following to avoid Lasix side effects.

• Diabetes
• Liver disease like cirrhosis
• Gout
• Kidney failure or disease
• Allergies
• Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Difficulty in urine passing
• Electrolyte or fluid problems

You should also tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. In general, Lasix may be prescribed by your doctor if he believes that your condition can be managed by it and if outweighs the probable risks to the fetus. Likewise, you should tell your doctor all the other medications you may be taking, which can include herbal supplements and vitamins.

Lasix Overdose

When you overdose on Lasix, side effects or symptoms will include one or more of the following:

• Hypotension or low blood pressure
• Severe dehydration
• Low levels of electrolytes, most especially sodium, chloride, and potassium
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Drowsiness, muscle pains, headaches
• Fainting
• Fatigue and disorientation

Although side effects from taking Lasix rarely occur, one thing is constant, and it is that side effects will always vary from patient to patient so you cannot compare your case to another person taking furosemide. Likewise, factors that may contribute to possible Lasix side effects include the dosage, drug interactions, age, severity of your condition, and alcohol consumption.

Lasix: Learn More

To learn more about Lasix and possible side effects (and what you can do to help with them), you want to make sure you browse our site for more information. Also, it is a good idea to bookmark our site so that you can check back as we are continually adding new information to help you. When it comes to helping with Lasix side effects, we are here to help you.