What is Generic Lasix (Frusemide)?
Frusemide is a loop diuretic used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and edema. It is most commonly marketed by sanofi-aventis under the brand name Lasix. It has also been used to prevent thoroughbred race horses from bleeding through the nose during races.Along with some other diuretics, furosemide is also included on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned drug list due to its alleged use as a masking agent for other drugs.
What is Generic Lasix (Frusemide) used for?
Generic Lasix is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. LASIX is particularly useful when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.
Generic Generic Lasix (Frusemide) Facts
Active Ingredients: furosemide.
Other Ingredients: lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, starch NF, talc USP, and colloidal silicon dioxide NF.
Class and Mechanism: Generic Lasix is a potent diuretic (water pill). It works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.
Generic Lasix (Frusemide) Storage
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away unused furosemide liquid after 60 days. Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.
How to take Generic Lasix (Frusemide)?
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, doses greater than 6 mg per kilogram of body weight are not recommended. It is best to take this medication early in the day, before 4-6 PM, to prevent having to wake up during the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) of the day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Sucralfate, cholestyramine, and colestipol can decrease the absorption of Lasix. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from Lasix by at least 2 hours. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If OVERDOSE: Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Lasix overdose may include ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What to do if I miss a dose?
Lasix is sometimes used only once, so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Who should not take Generic Lasix (Frusemide)?
Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
FOR WOMEN: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Furosemide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What side effects may occur?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Generic Lasix and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); muscle cramps or weakness; an irregular heartbeat; abdominal pain or diarrhea; low blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, fatigue); or decreased hearing.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic Lasix and talk to your doctor if you experience: dry mouth or increased thirst; headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness; constipation; increased sensitivity to sunlight; a rash; jaundice (yellow skin or eyes); ringing in the ears; nausea; easy bleeding or bruising; or numbness in the hands or feet.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Generic Lasix (Frusemide) Drug Interactions
- If you take sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 2 hours before or after you take Generic Lasix.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: lithium; digoxin (Lanoxin); steroids (prednisone and others); ethacrynic acid (Edecrin); diet pills or cold medicine; other blood pressure medications; amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi); salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or indomethacin.
- If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Generic Lasix, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
- There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Generic Lasix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Additional Information
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Generic Lasix will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking Lasix.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.