lasix

Generic Name: furosemide (fur OH se mide) Brand Names: Lasix

lasix is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine. lasix treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). lasix may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use lasix if you are unable to urinate. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs. To be sure lasix is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. lasix will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet. Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking this medication. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using lasix even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Do not use lasix if you are unable to urinate. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: * kidney disease; * liver disease; * gout; * lupus; * diabetes; or * an allergy to sulfa drugs. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take lasix. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking lasix, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Furosemide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use lasix without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from lasix. lasix will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor s instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet. To be sure lasix is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using lasix even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Store lasix at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. lasix liquid medicine should be used within 60 to 90 days after opening the bottle. Ask your pharmacist how many days your medicine is good for. Throw away any unused liquid after that time has passed.

lasix is sometimes used only once, so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking lasix. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). lasix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.