Cheap Lasix (Furosemide)

Furosemide

What Is Furosemide?

Furosemide is a diuretic, commonly known as a water pill. It’s often prescribed to help the body eliminate excess salt and water through urine. People with conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney problems, or high blood pressure may be prescribed furosemide to reduce fluid retention and edema. It works by increasing the production of urine and promoting the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water from the body.

Appearance

Small white or yellow tablets with 20 or 40 mg of Furosemide. Clear fluid for injection into the bloodstream.

Uses

Furosemide is used to reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing urine production by the kidneys. Reduced body water can lower blood pressure or remove any retained water from areas like the legs, arms, or lungs. Furosemide can also help to reduce the level of calcium in the blood.

How to Take

Furosemide tablets are swallowed with a little bit of water. The tablets should be taken in the morning, after breakfast. Afternoon doses, if needed, should be taken at least at 6 p.m. (otherwise, you may need to get up at night to go to the washroom). Your nurse or doctor will give you a furosemide injection.

Interactions

Furosemide can interact with other medications and substances, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some common interactions with furosemide:

1. Other Diuretics: Concurrent use of multiple diuretics can lead to additive effects and increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
2. Lithium: Furosemide can reduce the elimination of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels in the body. This can be toxic and may require adjustment of lithium dosage.
3. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Furosemide, when used with aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin), may increase the risk of ototoxicity (damage to the ear) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage).
4. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): NSAIDs can reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of furosemide. This interaction may also increase the risk of kidney problems.
5. Corticosteroids: Concurrent use with corticosteroids can lead to an increased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
6. Digoxin: Furosemide can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia, which may enhance the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart.
7. Antihypertensive Medications: The combination of furosemide with other antihypertensive medications may result in additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
8. Certain Antidiabetic Drugs: Furosemide may affect blood sugar levels and can interfere with the action of some antidiabetic medications.
9. Certain Antiepileptic Drugs: Furosemide can reduce the effectiveness of some antiepileptic drugs.

It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting furosemide or any new medication. This helps them assess potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Never modify your medication regimen without consulting your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Furosemide can cause you to lose potassium from the body. You can increase the potassium in your body by eating foods rich in potassium (such as oranges, bananas, or orange juice) or by taking a potassium supplement (as ordered by your doctor). Your dietitian can help you choose other potassium-rich foods.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded when you get up in the morning. Get up slowly from lying or sitting down. Dizziness can be worse in hot weather or after drinking alcohol. Try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink and avoid standing or staying in the sun for a long time.

Furosemide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen cream (SPF 30 or more).

If you miss a dose of this medication, take the dose as soon as possible. However, do not double dose if it is time for the next dose.

Store this medication in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.

For more information on this medication, please call your doctor or nurse.

Contraindications

There are contraindications or situations where its use should be avoided. Here are some common contraindications to furosemide:

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have demonstrated hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to furosemide or its components should avoid using it.
• Anuria (lack of urine production): Furosemide is not appropriate for individuals with anuria, as it relies on urine production to eliminate excess fluids.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Furosemide can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly lowering potassium levels. Individuals with severe electrolyte imbalances may need to avoid furosemide.
• Severe dehydration: If a person is severely dehydrated, furosemide may exacerbate the dehydration and should be used with caution.
• Gout: Furosemide can increase uric acid levels, potentially triggering gout attacks. Individuals with a history of gout may need careful monitoring or alternative medications.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Furosemide may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider in these situations.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, should use furosemide cautiously, and its use may be contraindicated in some cases.

It’s crucial for individuals to disclose their complete medical history and any current medications to their healthcare provider before starting furosemide or any other medication. Only a healthcare professional can determine the appropriateness of furosemide based on an individual’s specific health situation.

Side Effects

Side Effects	Prevention	What You Should Do
More Common
Dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position	Take your time getting up	Tell your doctor or nurse if this bothers you.
Less Common
Blurred vision		Don’t drive if your vision is blurred. Tell your doctor or nurse if this bothers you.
Rare
Easy bruising or bleeding. Black, tar-like stools.	Use sharp objects with care. Use a soft toothbrush. Tell your doctor before dental work is done.	Phone your doctor immediately if bleeding or bruising is unusual or will not stop, or go to the Emergency Department.
Yellow eyes or skin	Your doctor will check your liver function	Tell your doctor as soon as possible
Dark frothy urine
Joint pain, loss of balance		Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
Ringing in ears, hearing loss
Skin rash		Tell your doctor or nurse if this bothers you.
Signs of Low Potassium		What You Should Do
Dry mouth, increase thirst	Irregular heartbeat or weak pulse	Eat potassium-rich foods
Muscle cramps/pain	Unusual tiredness	Call your doctor if these symptoms persist, or if they become severe
Nausea and vomiting		Your doctor may order a potassium tablet

Overdose

Overdosing on furosemide can lead to serious complications and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of furosemide overdose may include:

• Dehydration: Excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, causing symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Furosemide can cause imbalances in electrolytes, particularly potassium. An overdose may result in low potassium levels (hypokalemia), leading to muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heart rhythms.
• Low Blood Pressure: Excessive use of furosemide can lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
• Ototoxicity: In rare cases, high doses of furosemide may lead to hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

If someone suspects an overdose or experiences severe side effects after taking furosemide, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment may involve supportive care, electrolyte replacement, and monitoring of vital signs. The specific approach will depend on the severity of the overdose and the symptoms presented.

How to Store

Store furosemide at room temperature, away from extremes of heat and cold. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Keep furosemide in a dry place. Moisture can affect the stability of the medication, so it’s best to store it in a container with a tight lid.

Keep the medicine in its original packaging or container. This helps protect it from light and moisture. If the medication came with a desiccant (a small packet that absorbs moisture), you can keep it in the container.

If you have children or pets at home, store furosemide out of their reach and in a childproof container to prevent accidental ingestion. Keep the medication information, including any instructions or patient leaflets provided by the pharmacy or healthcare provider, for reference.

Check the expiry date on the medication packaging. Do not use furosemide after the expiration date, as it may not be effective and could potentially be harmful.