Lasix ( Furosemide ) tablets

What is Lasix?

Lasix is the brand name of Furosemide, one of the most commonly prescribed diuretics used for the treatment of edema, swelling, heart failure, liver, kidney and other diseases by increased production of urine. In some cases, due to the properties of the diuretic, furosemide pills are used for weight loss.
The therapeutic effectiveness of this medication has been confirmed by data reported in clinical trials. In most cases, furosemide is used as one of the primary components involved in the complex therapy for essential hypertension.
Characteristics of furosemide and forms of release
Furosemide is also the active substance of Lasix and belongs to the pharmacological group of loop diuretics. This pharmacological group aims to remove from the body an increased amount of water due to a decrease in the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the special structure of the renal nephron-the loop of Henle.
Moreover, with Lasix treatment, there is increased bodily excretion of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These two mechanisms determine the diuretic and hypotensive effects of furosemide. According to the official instructions, the drug acts after a short period and its effects persist for 1.5 to 3 hours.

Lasix is dispensed in tablet form. It is available at a dosage strength of 40 mg with 45 pills per pack.
Indications and contraindications for Lasix
Recommendations outlined in the drug informational packet are as follows:

• treatment of edema, which develops as a consequence of stagnation of blood circulation in heart failure
• as a component of complex treatment of arterial hypertension
• therapy for edema with chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, and hepatic pathologies
• therapy for acute kidney failure

Lasix should not be used in the following circumstances:

• individual intolerance to the active ingredient or other components of the medication
• dehydration
• hypokalemia and/or hyponatremia (low potassium and/or sodium content in the blood)
• failure of renal function
• comatose or precomatose condition due to hepatic encephalopathy
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Instruction for the use of Lasix pills and dosage
For treating edema in patients with cardiac insufficiency, Lasix is prescribed at a dose of 20-50 mg per day. Depending on body reactions, Lasix dosage can be adjusted. During decongestant therapy for chronic kidney failure as well as for nephrotic syndrome, Lasix is used in the initial dose of 40-80 mg and is adjusted depending on patient body response. For patients on hemodialysis, the daily dosage of Lasix is 250-1500 mg.
In instances involving treatment of edema due to liver pathologies, Lasix is used in the initial dose of 20-80 mg. In the case of acute renal failure, Lasix injections are recommended. Injections can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Dosage for each patient is selected individually depending on the severity of the pathological condition.
Side effects of furosemide may include:

• allergic reactions
• hemoconcentration
• abnormal electrolyte balance, dehydration, and hypovolemia
• increase in blood cholesterol concentrations
• paresthesia
• pressure drop
• orthostatic hypotension (i.e., a sharp drop in blood pressure when the position of the body changes from horizontal to vertical)
• increase in urine
• dyspeptic disorders, changes in stool frequency and consistency
• transmitted hearing disorders due to changes in the concentration of electrolytes in the blood

Lasix overdose results in rapid dehydration. The BCC decreases (the volume of circulating blood) and cardiac arrhythmias and/or blockades develop. Blood pressure also sharply drops, acute renal failure occurs, and consciousness is disturbed.
There is no specific antidote to treat Lasix overdose. Therapy for correcting an overdose is symptomatic and is directed at correcting and restoring water-electrolyte balance.