Blood pressure drug Lasix (furosemide) special information

Furosemide, the active substance in Lasix is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. Lasix is used to treat high blood pressure. Lasix lowers high blood pressure and helps in preventing strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Medical conditions: tell your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with diabetes, gout, allergy to sulfa drugs or any other allergies, lupus, kidney or liver disease, as additional tests may be required. Maybe you will not be able to take this medication because of a number of potential and serious adverse effects that may happen as a result of taking Lasix.

High blood pressure: if you are using Lasix to treat blood pressure, you are supposed take it even if you feel better. In fact, patients who start taking Lasix for high blood pressure are most likely required to take it for the rest of their lives. This is the reason why it’s so important that you discuss with your doctor or pharmacist all the risks and benefits of your treatment before you start taking Lasix. If you think you may have taken too much of Lasix and if you experience such symptoms as loss of appetite, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and ringing in the ears, seek emergency medical assistance.

Sunlight exposure: since Lasix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight make sure you avoid direct exposure to natural sunlight or artificial UV rays, such as sunlamps. If mild conditions such as tingling, stomach pain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness and numbness diarrhea make sure you report them to your doctor. Also report to your doctor if headache get worse or change in intensity. If you carry ion with the treatment, these adverse effects will most probably fade away.

Dehydration: Lasix is a potent diuretic (water pill) and is given in excessive amounts. This can lead to large amounts of urination and dehydration as a result.

Diabetes: for people with diabetes, Lasix may result in a reduction of blood sugar control. Your diabetes medication dosages may need to be adjusted by your doctor. Your doctor should also check blood glucose at regular intervals.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: a high-potassium diet is recommended during long-term treatment with Lasix. Potassium supplements may also be required when your doctor will monitor your potassium levels through occasional lab tests.

Sulfa drugs: Lasix should be used with caution by anyone allergic to sulfa drugs, since it is a sulfonamide derivative.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: effect of taking Lasix during pregnancy is not known. That is why Lasix should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant unless, the benefits outweigh the possible risks in the opinion of their doctor. Furosemide passes into breast milk and may also partially reduce the amount of breast milk produced by nursing mother. For women taking furosemide, breast-feeding is not recommended.