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Lasix is the brand name of the drug called Furosemide or frusemide also known as water pill or loop diuretic drug. The company Sanofi-Aventis owns the brand. The drug is used both for human consumption as well as animals too.
Lasix as a loop diuretic is used extensively in treatment of congestive heart failures as well as edema. Edema is nothing but the fluid retention in the body which may occur due to heat failure, liver diseases like cirrhosis or kidney malfunctioning and nephritic syndrome etc. As a result of the malfunction of any one of these organs, the fluid does not get passed out of the body and begins to be retained causing swelling too. Lasix in such cases prevents the body from absorbing salts and instead lets it get passed through the urine. Lasix is also used in treatment of high blood pressure also known as Hypertension.
Lasix is found to be very effective in treating cerebral pulmonary edema which calls for immediate diuresis and hence Lasix is injected immediately at such times.
When ever lasix is used to manage severe cases of hypocalcaemia it is also supplemented with sufficient re hydration. How ever to counter the tendency of causing low potassium levels leading to hypokalemia several combination drugs with potassium like Lasix K have been introduced.
For any layman it is important to know that Lasix should be taken only with medical supervision and against qualified Doctor’s prescription only. Before you are advised to start with Lasix, you will be tested for kidney and liver diseases, for diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. It is important for you to share your complete medical history in detail with the Doctor before you advised on Lasix prescription. In case if you are allergic to any sulfa related drugs, your Doctor needs to know.
On consuming Lasix tablets as per Doctor’s prescription you will find yourself passing urine more frequently. Your body can get dehydrated easily. Therefore it is important for you to avoid such problems and follow your Doctor’s guidelines on liquids as well as additional potassium supplements that you will possibly require. However very importantly, if you come across any slight problem with urinating and are not able to do so, then you must inform your Doctors immediately, for them to quickly analyze and remove the causes relating to the blockage.
In case of lactating mothers who are breast feeding babies, Lasix might not be advisable. Preliminary research has established that Lasix suppresses lactation in the breast feeding mother. In such cases it is better for the patient to seek alternative treatment in consultation with the Doctor.
In all cases Lasix is available in the form of oral tablets as well as oral solutions, depending upon the dosage. Lasix injections are also available and are generally used in hospitals. If you do have a problem consuming oral tablets, discuss with your Doctor for other alternatives.
Once you have begun to undergo treatment with Lasix, it is always important to get your kidney and liver function tests done regularly and record their function.
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