Generic Lasix Information (Furosemide)

Furosemide (generic Lasix) Intorduction

Lasix is a brand name for the drug furosemide, a very potent diuretic. Technically generic Lasix belongs to a class of drugs known as loop diuretics, which will cause the body to excrete water as well as potassium, sodium and chloride. Loop diuretics including generic Lasix are among the strongest such drugs available, having an extremely dramatic effect on fluid levels in the body. Potassium levels need to be particularly watched, furosemide greatly increasing the amount excreted. The use of a prescription potassium supplement therefore is often required to keep levels in balance, otherwise a serious heart complications might develop. Mistakes in potassium dosage have equally serious consequences, so generic Lasix is clearly a risky item to use.

Oral Furosemide Tablets

Generic Lasix is prepared as both an oral tablet (usually 20-40mg per tablet) or IM/lV injection solution, the injection being much more rapid in effect. Each oral generic Lasix tablet becomes effective about 1 hour after ingesting and will remain active for an additional 3 or 4 hours. The initial dosage is usually 20 to 40mg, with the maximum amount usually not to exceed 80mg. In order to minimize the side effects associated with generic Lasix, it is generally used for no longer than a few days.

Generic Lasix Effects

Since generic Lasix has such a strong effect on electrolyte and potassium levels, it is much safer to addition a potassium sparing agent like Aldactone® (spironolactone) than it is to keep increasing the amount of generic Lasix used. A combination of 50mg Aldactone® and 20mg generic Lasix (Furosemide) would be a good starting point, having roughly the effect of a 40mg generic Lasix tablet without the notable potassium loss. This dosage is repeated 2-3 times during the day and the effect judged to determine the optimal dosage. It is important to remember that generic Lasix can be active for many hours. It can become difficult to control the dehydrating effect with an overlapping schedule, so one should be careful not to administer such diuretics including generic Lasix too frequently.

Do NOT use generic Lasix if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lasix
• you are unable to urinate
• you are taking ethacrynic acid

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using generic Lasix:

Some medical conditions may interact with generic Lasix. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have fluid in your abdomen (ascites), hearing problems, liver disease, diabetes, low urine output, kidney problems, lupus, gout, abnormal blood electrolyte levels, high blood uric acid levels, or the blood disease porphyria
• if you have had a heart attack, are dehydrated, or are on a low-salt diet

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with generic Lasix . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or corticotropin (ACTH) because the risk of low blood potassium levels may be increased
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or narcotics (eg, codeine) because the risk of dizziness upon standing may be increased
• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), amphotericin B, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), cyclosporine, ethacrynic acid, tacrolimus, or vancomycin because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) or ears (hearing loss) may occur
• Chloral hydrate because side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure, may occur
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because they may decrease generic Lasix's effectiveness
• Digoxin, lithium, medicines for high blood pressure, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or succinylcholine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by generic Lasix
• Norepinephrine or tubocurarine because their effectiveness may be decreased by generic Lasix

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if generic Lasix may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use generic Lasix:

Use Lasix as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take generic Lasix by mouth with or without food.
• If you take cholestyramine, colestipol, or sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Lasix.
• Generic Lasix may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
• If you miss a dose of generic Lasix , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use generic Lasix.

Important safety information:

• Generic Lasix may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use generic Lasix with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Generic Lasix may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Diabetes patients - generic Lasix may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take generic Lasix before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you take generic Lasix . Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that has potassium in it.
• Generic Lasix is a strong diuretic. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Generic Lasix may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to generic Lasix . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure and complete blood counts, may be performed while you use generic Lasix . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use generic Lasix with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration.
• Caution is advised when using generic Lasix in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using generic Lasix while you are pregnant. generic Lasix is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use generic Lasix , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of generic Lasix

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; lightheadedness; sensitivity to sunlight.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); calf pain or tenderness; confusion; dark urine; decreased or persistent increased urination; drowsiness; dry mouth; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hearing decrease or loss; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; restlessness; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness; shortness of breath; sluggishness; stomach pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst or hunger; unusual tiredness or weakness; vein inflammation; yellow vision; yellowing of the skin or eyes.