Lasix

Lasix® is used in tablet form as a drug in the diuretics group (diuretic drugs). Lasix® is used for drainage in various diseases:

  • Fluid accumulation in tissue (edema) in heart/liver diseases
  • Fluid accumulation in tissue (edema) in kidney disease
  • Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Fluid accumulation in the tissue (edema) in burns

Lasix® must not be used for

  • Allergy (hypersensitivity) to the active ingredient furosemide or another component of the drug
  • Renal failure without urine production (anuria)
  • Liver failure with loss of consciousness up to coma
  • Severe lack of potassium
  • Severe sodium deficiency
  • Reduced blood volume (hypovolaemia)
  • Dehydration (dehydration)
  • During the breastfeeding period

If it is not quite clear how Lasix® is to be used, precise instructions should be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist. The dosage is adjusted by the doctor to the individual patient and the lowest possible dose is always used.

Lasix® should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Unless otherwise prescribed, the dosage is as follows: In case of fluid accumulation in the tissue (edema) due to heart/liver disease, adults initially take 1 tablet (40mg furosemide) daily. If this does not result in satisfactory urination by Lasix®, the single dose is adjusted to 2 tablets (80mg furosemide) after 6 hours.

If this still does not achieve the desired amount of urine, the dose is increased to 4 tablets. Under strict control and supervision, an initial dosage of 200mg Lasix® can be used in exceptional cases. In order to maintain the effect, a maintenance dose of usually 1-2 tablets (40-80mg) is taken daily.

The increased excretion of urine usually results in weight loss, which should not exceed 1kg/day. For edema due to kidney disease, adults initially take 1 tablet of Lasix®/day. If the urine excretion is still insufficient, the single dose is increased to 2 tablets after 6 hours.

A further increase of the dose to 4 tablets is also possible. Under medical supervision, a dosage of up to 200mg Lasix® is perfectly acceptable. Thereafter, a maintenance dose of usually 1-2 tablets (40-80mg furosemide) should be taken daily.

Here too, care should be taken to ensure that the weight loss that occurs does not exceed 1kg per day. If a nephrotic syndrome is present, the dosage must be taken with special care due to a higher risk of side effects. In case of burns the daily or single dose is between 1 and 2 tablets (40-80mg Furosemide) and can be increased up to 6 tablets (240mg Lasix®) in case of reduced kidney function.

If there is a lack of fluid in the blood vessels, this must be compensated before the medication is administered. In case of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension), 1 tablet (40mg Furosemide) is taken daily, either alone or together with other medications. Usually children receive 1-2 mg furosemide per kilogram of body weight per day.

A maximum dose of 40mg Lasix®/day must not be exceeded. If an overdose of Lasix® is suspected, a doctor must be informed immediately. The doctor will then initiate any necessary countermeasures to treat the overdose.

Excessive dosage of the drug Lasix® can lead to reduced blood pressure (hypotension) and circulatory disorders (orthostatic dysregulation), electrolyte disorders or an increase in the pH value in the blood (alkalosis). If too much fluid is excreted due to overdose, dehydration of the body occurs. Since too little blood circulates in the body (hypovolaemia), the circulatory system may collapse and the blood may thicken (hemoconcentration), including a tendency to thrombosis (blood clotting).

In addition, excessive doses of Lasix® can lead to confusion (delirium) due to rapid loss of water and electrolytes. Possible side effects of Lasix® may include The mode of action of Lasix® can also lead to a disturbance of the electrolyte balance under certain circumstances. For example, a sodium deficiency leads to: A potassium deficiency leads to: A calcium deficiency is associated with neuromuscular hyperexcitability, while a magnesium deficiency can lead to tetany or cardiac arrhythmia.

  • Reduction of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
  • Increase of certain white blood cells (eosinophilia)
  • Reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia)
  • Anemia
  • Infection tendency
  • Itching, skin/mucosal reactions
  • Feverish states
  • Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
  • Kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis)
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic shock)
  • Increase of the blood sugar level
  • Increase of the uric acid level and thus to gout
  • Increase in blood fat values (cholesterol, triglycerides)
  • Hearing disorders
  • Tinnitus
  • Circulatory problems with headaches, dizziness, vision problems, dry mouth, thirst, reduced blood pressure
  • Acute pancreatitis, bile stasis, increase in liver values
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Increase in creatinine, which must be excreted via the kidneys
  • Urinary flow obstructions can become more noticeable when taking Lasix®, in extreme cases urinary retention.
  • Apathy (apathy)
  • Calf Cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling of weakness
  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Muscular weakness
  • Sensitivities
  • Paralysis
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Flatulence
  • Pathologically increased thirst
  • Pulse irregularities
  • Bowel Paralysis
  • Disturbances of consciousness or coma

In the treatment of premature babies, kidney stones or calcium deposits can form in the tissue of the kidney due to the drugs.

If premature babies suffer from respiratory distress syndrome, treatment with Lasix® may result in the vascular connection called the Ductus arteriosus Botalli (a vessel that bypasses the pulmonary circulation before birth) not closing properly. If Lasix® (furosemide) and other medications are taken simultaneously, one or both medications may be impaired. This includes the following groups of drugs:

  • Glucocorticoids, carbenoxolone, laxatives (increased potassium loss)
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g.

    non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid) (weakening of Lasix®, possible complication: acute renal failure)

  • Probenecid (medicine for gout), Methotrexate (anti-rheumatic drug) (weakening of Lasix)
  • Phenytoin (against seizures and special forms of pain) (weakening of Lasix)
  • Sucralfat (stomach medicine) (weakening of Lasix, therefore intake with 2 hours break in between)
  • Cardiac glycosides (increased efficacy, possible cardiac arrhythmia, ECG changes)
  • Salicylates (increased side effects)
  • Antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, polymyxins) (increased risk of kidney damage)
  • Aminoglycosides (certain antibiotics) (increased risk of hearing impairment)
  • Cisplatin (increased risk of kidney and hearing damage)
  • Lithium (antidepressant) (increased risk of heart and nerve damage)
  • Blood pressure lowering drugs (too massive blood pressure reduction with subsequent symptoms)
  • Theophylline (asthma drug) and curare-like drugs (muscle relaxants) (enhanced effect)
  • Antidiabetics (attenuated effect)
  • Blood pressure increasing drugs (e.g. epinephrine, norepinephrine) (weakened effect)
  • Liquorice (food) (increased potassium loss)

Particular care should be taken when taking Lasix® if one or more of the following factors apply: Especially for long-term treatment with Lasix® it is important to check certain blood values as regularly as possible.

  • Highly reduced blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Diabetes mellitus (manifest or latent)
  • Gout
  • Obstruction of urine flow (e.g.

    prostate enlargement, urinary congestion kidney, ureteral narrowing)

  • Hypoproteinemia, e.g. in nephrotic syndrome
  • Cirrhosis of the liver with kidney dysfunction
  • Circulatory disorders of the vessels in the brain or coronary arteries (coronary heart disease)
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Calcium
  • Bicarbonate
  • Creatinine
  • Urea
  • Uric acid and the
  • Blood sugar

As the active ingredient of Lasix® passes through the placenta and can therefore also have an effect in the body of the unborn child, it should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. If the use of Lasix® cannot be avoided, strict monitoring by a doctor is necessary.Lasix® also passes into breast milk and also inhibits its production. When breastfeeding, the drug must not be taken; only after weaning is it legitimate to take it.