Medication | Health Articles | Lasix - 'Water' pill to get rid of that extra water and swelling in the body

Excess salt and calcium are eliminated alongwith water by the body through urine. When this fluid accumulates in the body because of some disorder, it can cause swelling in the tissues or any part of the body, leading to severe complications in those organs. This can be a temporary or permanent condition. Loop diuretics, or water pills, play a major role in expelling excess salt and water through urine. Lasix, containing Furosemide, is one such potent loop diuretic.

Salt, water and other small molecules are filtered out of the blood into the tubules of the kidney. However, most of the sodium, chloride, calcium and water get reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid gets expelled through urine. Generic Furosemide blocks this re-absorption process, causing an increase in the output of urine – diuresis. It’s very name, Lasix, is said to be derived from a phrase that describes its duration - lasting 6 hours. If it is taken orally, Lasix takes about an hour to take effect, after which the diuresis lasts about 6-8 hours; but, if it is injected, it starts working within 5 minutes and the diuresis lasts a couple of hours.

For those who suffer from fluid retention because of disorders of the kidney [such as nephrotic syndrome], liver problem, or heart disease [as in congestive heart failure], those who suffer from hypertension, cerebral or pulmonary edema, and hypercalcemia, all require assistance of a loop diuretic to overcome their problem. Sometimes myeloma [if not treated in time] can result in bone breakdown causing release of calcium in the bloodstream that can lead to hypercalcemia, resulting in acute or chronic renal failure, treatment of which could involve dialysis.

As this medication increases the urine outflow from the body, it also brings down the blood pressure. It is better for people suffering from hypertension and ascites to take the treatment in a hospital as increased flow of urine may lead to severe dehydration, and in a hospital their condition can be monitored and treatment for dehydration be immediately instituted, if so required.

Before taking Lasix, you must give your medical history to the treating doctor, making a special mention if you have ever suffered from any disease related to the kidney, liver, or heart, and if you have ever suffered from gout, lupus, anuria [disability of the body to make urine], or an untreated mineral imbalance. The physician has to know about all the medicines – prescription as well as OTC and the nutritional supplements or herbal products you take, so that you get a proper regimen. There are certain drugs that should not be taken alongwith Lasix, which are: Ethacrynic acid, Cisapride, Lithium, and other antihypertensive medications; while, Corticosteroids, Aliskerin or other drugs that can affect your hearing, Amphotericin B, Cholestyramine, Cisplatin, Colestipol, Digoxin, Lithium, Salicylates, Sucralfate, NSAIDs, Aspirin in large doses, can all interact with Furosemide, so you must inform your physician if you are taking any of these.

As Furosemide has the capacity to affect blood sugar and potassium levels in the body, you must inform the doctor, so that the doctor can adjust the anti-diabetic medicine for diabetics and give a potassium supplement if needed, besides monitoring blood sugar and potassium levels through regular laboratory tests. Hypertensive patients on Lasix therapy will have to get their blood pressure checked for a few months. If you have to undertake any surgery, it is also important for you to let the dentist or surgeon know that you are taking this medicine.

As with all other medicines, Lasix too has some side effects that may include dizziness, fainting, vomiting, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, dehydration, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, constipation, a ringing sound in the ears, a numbness or tingling sensation in the arms or legs. If you suspect an overdose, then contact the emergency room immediately. Pregnant women should take this medicine only if their physician advises, and lactating mothers should do likewise.

This medicine can cause drowsiness and make you feel sleepy, so do not take alcohol or alcoholic beverages when you take a water pill. If you have to drive or handle machinery, be very alert, after taking this medication. Elderly people, too, will need monitoring for the same reason. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunshine or strong light, so if you have to be outdoors, then be sure to wear a hat and other protective clothing. Lasix itself has to be stored away from heat, light and moisture at a room temperature of 15oC-30oC.

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