Furosemide (Lasix)

“What is the expected effect for which it is given?”

Furosemide (Lasix) - “Why is this medication being prescribed to me?”

For those seeking information regarding their new prescription, need a reminder, or if your provider has newly prescribed Lasix, this pamphlet will provide necessary guidelines and tips to help meet your health needs.

Trade Name: Furosemide

Brand Name: Lasix

Reminder: Patients should be able to identify each medication by their trade name as brand names might not carry the same active ingredients. Trade names printed in bold on each label & typically listed first.

“How does this medication work?”

Medications can target certain areas of the body via various mechanisms itn he body.

Therapeutic effect; Diuresis and subsequent mobilization of excess fluid (edema, pleural effusions), and a decreased blood pressure (Davis, 2019).

Mechanism of action

Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and distal renal tubule increases renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and calcium

Note; Effectiveness persists and impaired renal function (avis, 2019).

“What side effects can this medication cause?”

Note that side effects vary vastly depending on your condition or bodily chemistry.

Below are some to name a few . . .

Adverse effects; Rash, tinnitus, dehydration, hypocalcemia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia, metabolic alkalosis, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, or excessive urination (Davis, 2019).

Meaning, after taking furosemide, our kidneys are able to excrete water and various minerals from the body to decrease our overall fluid volume in our body.

Simply, alterations in hearing, skin, or digestion or more commonly symptoms such as excessive urination, dry mouth, or dizziness are adverse effects

-Toxic effects or life threating effects; erythema multiforme, stevens-johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis (Davis, 2019).

Meaning, any abnormal alteration to the skin including rash or lesions, and alterations of the blood must be reported to your health care provider!

Medication pharmacologic action: loop diuretics