Lasix is a loop diuretic that eliminates water and salt from the body to help lower blood pressure Show
Lasix side effects | Serious side effects | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects Lasix is the brand name of a prescription tablet that treats fluid retention (edema) due to congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disease. Lasix is also used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and, frequently, with kidney problems, as well. The active ingredient in Lasix, furosemide, is a loop diuretic (“water pill”) that increases the body’s elimination of water and salt, reducing excess fluids from the body’s tissues and lowering blood pressure. Like all diuretics, Lasix can cause side effects and interact with other drugs. A careful review of the pros and cons of taking Lasix is a vital first step in deciding to start treatment. RELATED: Learn more about Lasix Common side effects of LasixLasix’s most common side effects include:
Serious side effects of LasixLike all water pills, Lasix has several serious and potentially severe side effects including:
How long do Lasix side effects last?Most minor adverse effects are temporary and wear off in about six to eight hours after taking the dose of Lasix. Other common side effects may take longer to resolve such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood sugar, or high cholesterol. Serious side effects may require treatment and take several days to resolve. Swelling of the pancreas or blood disorders such as anemia (low blood cell counts) may require days or weeks to resolve. Hearing loss and tinnitus are serious side effects that are typically temporary. However, there is a rare chance of permanent hearing loss in those using other medications that are toxic to the ears or with reduced kidney function. Circulatory collapse due to severe dehydration or coma due to liver dysfunction are potentially life-threatening and will require intensive hospital care. Lasix contraindications & warningsLike all prescription drugs, Lasix may be restricted or avoided completely in some people with certain medical conditions. Misusing or taking too much Lasix can also create problems. Abuse and dependenceLasix is not a drug that causes dependence nor is it commonly abused or misused outside of competitive athletics. Withdrawal symptoms, however, are possible when Lasix is discontinued. When Lasix is no longer taken, the body sometimes overcompensates by retaining too much water and salt. As a result, fluid builds up in the body’s tissues and bloodstream, causing rebound edema and high blood pressure for a few days. While generally harmless, people with heart disease or heart failure will require observation and monitoring after Lasix treatment ends. To avoid this rebound effect, healthcare providers may gradually reduce the Lasix dose to discontinuation or place the patient on a low-sodium diet. OverdoseThe maximum daily dose for Lasix tablets is 600 mg. A Lasix overdose can produce severe dehydration, low blood volume, low potassium, and severe electrolyte depletion. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme thirst, extreme weakness, heavy sweating, hot or dry skin, muscle pains or cramps, changes in heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. If too much Lasix has been taken, emergency medical care is required. RestrictionsAll people taking Lasix will be monitored for signs of:
Lasix is contraindicated (prohibited) for use in people with:
People with certain medical conditions may require a restricted dose or close monitoring for side effects:
Ask a doctor or other healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking Lasix while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is recommended that Lasix should only be used in pregnant women if the potential benefits outweigh the risk to their unborn child because the overall safety is not completely known. I Lasix reduces lactation for nursing mothers and appears in breast milk, so this medication is often avoided in these women. Lasix interactionsBecause of possible drug interactions, Lasix should not be taken with certain types of drugs. Some medications should never be combined with Lasix and other medications should try to be avoided, but several types of drugs will require caution and possible dose adjustments when taken with Lasix. Two drugs are never combined with Lasix:
Because of the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, or circulatory collapse, drugs to be avoided or used cautiously with Lasix include:
Medications that can affect blood pressure such as:
Finally, other medications to avoid or use cautiously are:
How to avoid Lasix side effectsPeople taking Lasix or any other diuretic may experience unwanted side effects. As a tablet, people generally take Lasix every day, sometimes for a prolonged period. A few safety guidelines can help maximize its benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects. 1. Take Lasix as directedFollow all the directions given by a healthcare provider or printed on the prescription label. The standard dose is 40–120 mg per day for edema and 10-40 mg twice daily for hypertension. If the dose is divided into two daily doses, do not skip a dose or combine two doses into one. Do not take more or less than prescribed until consulting with a doctor or healthcare professional. 2. Tell the doctor about all medical conditions and medicationsMany medical conditions and drugs can affect the safety of taking Lasix, so make sure the prescribing doctor or healthcare professional is well-informed about:
3. Watch for signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalanceA doctor or healthcare provider will explain how much and what kind of fluids to take after a dose of Lasix. These may be restricted to ensure the success of the therapy. Still, watch for signs of severe dehydration or electrolyte depletion. These include:
If fluids are not restricted, immediately take fluids at signs of dehydration. If fluids are restricted, call a healthcare provider for medical advice. To avoid electrolyte imbalances, people will often be prescribed potassium supplementation such as Klor-Con. Additionally, healthcare providers may recommend changes in a person’s diet to increase the amount of potassium. Use extra caution on hot summer days, as people are more likely to get dehydrated and lose electrolytes. People can either avoid or limit their time spent outdoors on hot days and always carry a water bottle. Since some people can become more sensitive to sunlight while taking Lasix, it’s good to be cautious of sunny days and wear sunscreen or protective clothing. 4. Keep all follow-up appointments and frequently monitor self at homeTo avoid some of the more serious side effects, make sure that all appointments are kept and necessary tests are taken. The purpose of these tests and visits is partly to monitor any adverse effects before they become serious medical problems. Some people with pre-existing medical conditions may be asked to regularly monitor body weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar. Check these values faithfully with store-bought bathroom scales, blood pressure cuffs, or blood glucose testers. Record the values and show them to the doctor during office visits. Depending on the pre-existing condition, people taking Lasix should make sure to discuss with a doctor their goal blood pressure range, ideal blood sugar range or how much weight they can gain or lose. 5. Plan your activities around the dosing scheduleA healthcare professional may ask that Lasix always be taken at a certain time of day. Remember: frequent urination is the most common effect of taking Lasix. It’s a good idea to delay certain activities for at least four to six hours after a dose is taken. Some people may not be put on a strict schedule. In that case, the dose can be taken at a time more convenient to the day’s activities. 6. Avoid taking a late doseTaken too late in the day, Lasix may make it hard to sleep because of running to the bathroom frequently. Most healthcare professionals will advise people not to take Lasix after a certain time, like 4 P.M. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider how late in the day Lasix can be taken without ruining a good night’s sleep. 7. Avoid some common over-the-counter drugsPopular pain-relievers (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), can reduce the effectiveness of Lasix and increase the risks to the kidney or ears. Also, over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives, such as Miralax and magnesium citrate, increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Ask a doctor or other healthcare provider about alternatives to commonly used OTC drugs when taking Lasix. Related resources:
What stops muscle cramps immediately?Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help. Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
What minerals help to eliminates muscle cramps and lowers blood pressure?Normal body levels of potassium are important for muscle function, including relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and protects against muscle cramping.
What Vitamin stops muscle cramps?Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a variety of roles in your body including managing the flow of electrolytes in and out of muscle and nerve cells. ... . Vitamin B12 is another important B vitamin, and neurological symptoms of a B12 deficiency include issues like muscle cramping.. What drink stops leg cramps?It's been suggested that drinking 2 to 3 ounces of tonic water before bedtime can prevent leg cramps at night.
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