• Uses

Lasix is a 'water pill' (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Lasix also reduces swelling/fluid retention (edema) which can result from conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can help to improve symptoms such as trouble breathing.

• Directions

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, doses greater than 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight are not recommended.
If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

• Side Effects

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may lead to excessive loss of body water and minerals (including potassium). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps or weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth or thirst, nausea or vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.

• Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus.
If you have diabetes, furosemide may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication or diet.
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor.

• Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, ethacrynic acid. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting furosemide.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aliskiren, other drugs that can affect hearing/balance (e.g., aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, cholestyramine, cisplatin, colestipol, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin), large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), sucralfate.

• Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, a severe decrease in amount of urine, or severe weakness.

• Missed dosage

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.