Lasix (Desal)

furosemide

Lasix is used for treating high blood pressure or water retention (swelling) associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is Lasix (Desal)?

Lasix is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) are a problem.

Before taking Lasix (Desal)

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.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This medication 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.

If you take sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 2 hours before or after you take Lasix.

Before taking Lasix, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• lithium;
• digoxin (Lanoxin);
• steroids (prednisone and others);
• ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
• diet pills or cold medicine;
• other blood pressure medications;
• amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi);
• salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or
• indomethacin.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Lasix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

How should I take Lasix (Desal)?

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.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Lasix.

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 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.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Lasix (Desal) side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; lightheadedness; sensitivity to sunlight.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); calf pain or tenderness; confusion; dark urine; decreased or persistent increased urination; drowsiness; dry mouth; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hearing decrease or loss; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; restlessness; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness; shortness of breath; sluggishness; stomach pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst or hunger; unusual tiredness or weakness; vein inflammation; yellow vision; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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.

Precautions

Do not use Lasix if you are unable to urinate.

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.

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. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lasix (Desal). If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.