Lasix (Furosemide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Lasix

Diuretics »

What are diuretics and how do they work?

The amount of fluid (water) retained by the body is controlled primarily by the kidneys. This occurs due to the kidney's ability to control the retention and elimination of sodium and chloride, because the amounts of sodium, chloride, and water in the body are carefully balanced. Thus, if sodium and chloride are eliminated from the body, water also is eliminated. Conversely, if sodium and chloride are retained by the body, so is water.

The elimination of sodium, chloride, and water from the body is somewhat complex. In the kidneys, sodium, chloride, and other small molecules are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney where urine is formed. Most of the sodium, chloride, and water are reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid leaves the kidney in the form of urine. To make matters even more complex, there are different mechanisms that are active in different parts of the tu...

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LASIX®
(furosemide) Tablets 20, 40, and 80 mg

WARNING

LASIX® (furosemide) is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to a profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is required and dose and dose schedule must be adjusted to the individual patient's needs. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LASIX® is a diuretic which is an anthranilic acid derivative. LASIX tablets for oral administration contain furosemide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, starch NF, talc USP, and colloidal silicon dioxide NF. Chemically, it is 4-chloro-N-furfuryl-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid. LASIX is available as white tablets for oral administration in dosage strengths of 20, 40 and 80 mg. Furosemide is a white to off-white odorless crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, freely soluble in dilute alkali solutions and insoluble in dilute acids.

The CAS Registry Number is 54-31-9.

The structural formula is as follows:

LASIX® (furosemide) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of furosemide

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using furosemide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
fast or uneven heartbeat;
muscle pain or weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual...

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What are the precautions when taking furosemide (Lasix)?

Before taking furosemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, inability to make urine, gout, lupus.

If you have diabetes, furosemide may affect your blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar level regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or diet.

Furosemide may reduce the potassium level in your blood. Your doctor may instruct you to add potassium-rich foods to...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/11/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.