Lasix (Furosemide) - the most popular diuretic.
Lasix (Furosemide) is a strong diuretic (saluretic) action. The medicine is equally effective either in the presence of acidosis or alkalosis conditions. The diuretic effect of the drug is especially intense within the first 2 days of the drug intake; however, it does not disappear even in case of long-term treatment. The medicine is absorbed and starts its action within very short time- the diuretic effects starts in just a few minutes or within the first hour after taking the medicine in case of peroral use. The duration of the medicine`s action is 4 hours and more. The quick effect of this diuretic allows using Lasix (Furosemide) in emergency cases such as lung or brain adenomas. Lasix (Furosemide) is also used as a diuretic for treating haemostasia in greater and lesser circulations associated with heart failure; liver cirrhosis associated with portal hypertension; chronic and acute renal insufficiency, lung and brain adenomas. In a number of cases Lasix (Furosemide) demonstrates better diuretic effect than other medicines. The effectiveness of Lasix (Furosemide) for treating patients with circulatory inefficiency consists not only in diuretic action of the medicine but also in its vessel expanding effect. Lasix (Furosemide) also has antihypertensive action. Other uses of the medicine include high blood pressure (hypertension) treatment (including severe cases when other saluretic medicines turned ineffective) and rapid relief of severe hypertensive crises. Lasix (Furosemide) can be used in combination with other antihypertensive medicines.
How Lasix works?
The diuretic effect of Lasix is associated with N and Сl ion reabsorption; this suppression is observed both in proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the ascending region of Henle's loop. Potassium reabsorption is suppressed too, but to a less degree. It does not cause appreciable carbonic anhydrase suppression. In case of heart failure it leads to heart preload reduction through expanding large veins.
How to take Lasix?
Lasix (Furosemide) is taken before meal; the dose is determined depending on the severity of the disease and the symptoms of the disease. The average dose is 40mg once a day (in the morning); in case of insufficient effect the dose is increased up to 80mg - 120mg a day (divided into 2-3 intakes with 6 hour intervals). After reduction of adenomas the dose of the medicine is decreased and taken with 1-2 day intervals. The dose of Lasix (Furosemide) for treating hypertonic disease is 20 - 40 mg (1/2 - 1 tab) once a day. In case of concomitant heart failure the dose can be increased to 80mg.
What are the side effects of Lasix?
Lasix (Furosemide) may cause such side effects as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermahemia, itching, invertible hearing impairment, interstitial nephritis. As a result of intense diuresis you may experience such conditions as dizziness, depression, muscle weakness and thirst. Less common side effects include hypokaliemia, hyperuricemy and hyperglycemia. In case of severe side effects your doctor may tell you to reduce your dose of the drug or even stop taking it. Lasix (Furosemide) should not be used in combination with cephalosporin, gentamycin and other medicines which have nephritic action. During the therapy it is recommended to keep to potassium-rich diet.
What are the contraindications for Lasix?
Lasix should not be used during first five months of pregnancy and in patients with hypokaliemia, hepatic coma, end-stage renal disease and urinary obstruction.