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Lasix - Furosemide is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts or to patients on restricted salt intake, can lead to profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is recommended and the dose and dose schedule should be adjusted to the individual needs of the patient.
Patients on furosemide therapy should be observed for signs and symptoms of fluid or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hyponatremia, hypochloremical alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or hypocalcemia, dryness of mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pains or cramps, muscular fatigue, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, arrhythmia, or gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting). Excessive diuresis can lead to dehydration and blood volume reduction with circulatory collapse, and possibly vascular thrombosis, and embolism. Elderly patients may be particularly susceptible to such effects.
Furosemide is substantially excreted by the kidney; therefore, the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function and the elderly. Furosemide is contraindicated in patients with persistent anuria since the drug will accumulate and toxicity is expected. If increasing electrolyte imbalance, azotemia, and/or oliguria occur during treatment of severe, progressive renal disease, furosemide should be discontinued.
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