GENERIC NAME: furosemide
BRAND NAME: Lasix
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Furosemide is a potent
diuretic
(water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of
salt and
fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in
urine output
(diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body
water and
electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision
is necessary
during treatment.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 20mg, 40mg, 80mg. Oral
solution: 10
mg/ml.
STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a
light
resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Furosemide is a powerful diuretic.
Furosemide
is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the
body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney
failure, and
nephrotic syndrome. It is sometimes used in conjunction with
other blood
pressure pills to treat high blood pressure.
PRECAUTIONS: Patients allergic to sulfa may also be
allergic to
furosemide because of a similarity in the chemical structure of
the
medications. Furosemide should be avoided in kidney failure.
Even though
furosemide is important in treating excess fluid accumulation
in patients
with cirrhosis, sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes in these
patients
can worsen kidney function and even cause the patient to go
into a coma.
Furosemide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, and
magnesium
levels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heart
rhythm
abnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin).
Please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further
information.
Blood uric acid levels can increase during furosemide
treatment, but
precipitation of acute gout is rare. Furosemide may increase
the toxic
effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the ear, especially in
patients
with kidney dysfunction. Furosemide reduces the kidney
excretion of
lithium and can lead to lithium toxicity. Furosemide may impair
kidney
function when administered together with aspirin or other
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Periodic blood tests are
performed to
monitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatment with
furosemide.
SIDE EFFECTS: Commonly observed side effects are low
blood
pressure, and water and electrolyte depletion. Less common side
effects
include jaundice, ringing in ears (tinnitus), light sensitivity, rash,
pancreatitis, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, anemia, and
other blood
disorders.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- High Blood Pressure Treatment - Read about high blood pressure treatments including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and clonidine (Catapres). Source:MedicineNet
- Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) - earn about low potassium (hypokalemia) causes like vomiting, diarrhea, medications, laxatives, diuretics, renal disease and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is provided. Source:MedicineNet
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - Read about superior vena cava syndrome, a condition caused by tumors or cancer in the chest area, blood clots, or infection (STDs or tuberculosis). The most common symptoms of superior vena cava is shortness of breath. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 24 more furosemide related articles ...
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