What Is Lasix and Lasix High Dose Used For?

Lasix contains furosemide, a diuretic that helps reduce excess fluid in your body by increasing urine production.

Primary Uses

Lasix treats swelling (edema) of the ankles, feet, legs, brain, or lungs that can occur with heart, lung, liver, or kidney conditions. It’s also used for people with serious kidney problems who have fluid retention and to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). It may be taken alone or with other medications.

How It Works

As a diuretic, Lasix helps reduce excess fluid in your body by increasing the amount of urine you produce, which helps control fluid buildup and can lower blood pressure.

How to Take Lasix and Lasix High Dose

Lasix oral solution should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before food or two hours after food, as food can interfere with absorption.

Dosage Instructions

Adults typically start with 20 to 80 mg daily. For infants and children, the usual starting dose is 2 mg/kg body weight as a single dose. Take with water at the same time each day. If taking once daily, take in the morning before breakfast. If taking multiple times daily, take the first dose before breakfast and the last dose around 2:00 pm to avoid sleep disruption from increased urination. Injections are given by healthcare professionals in hospital settings.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose to make up for it. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Drowsiness or lack of energy
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Fever
• Ringing or buzzing in ears
• Blurred vision
• Very dry mouth or unusual thirst
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unusual bleeding or bruising under skin
• Calf muscle spasms
• Weakness or tiredness
• Muscle pains or cramps
• Numbness or tingling in hands/feet
• Weight loss

Important Warnings

Several medical conditions and situations require special caution or prevent the use of Lasix.

Who Should Not Take Lasix and Lasix High Dose

Don’t take Lasix if you’re allergic to furosemide, sulfonamides (sulfur antibiotics), sulfonylureas, or any ingredients in the medication. Also avoid if you have certain kidney problems, no urine production, low blood pressure, low sodium or potassium levels, dehydration, certain liver problems, hepatic coma, or jaundice history in newborns.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems, high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes, gout, reduced urine output, difficulty urinating, prostate problems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or if you’re on a salt-restricted diet.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Don’t take Lasix if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Lasix is not recommended during pregnancy, and furosemide passes into breast milk, potentially affecting your baby. Discuss with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Lasix or plan to breastfeed.

Drug Interactions

Many medications can interfere with Lasix and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

• Certain antibiotics (cephalosporins, aminoglycosides)
• Amphotericin B (antifungal)
• Sucralfate (stomach ulcer treatment)
• Barbiturates and anticonvulsants
• Lithium
• Risperidone
• Corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone)
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Strong pain medications (codeine, morphine)
• Methotrexate
• Probenecid
• Cisplatin
• Diabetes medications (insulin, tablets)
• Other diuretics
• Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists)
• Heart failure medications (digoxin)
• Emergency medications (adrenaline, noradrenaline)
• Muscle relaxants for surgery
• Contrast agents for medical scans
• Theophylline
• Levothyroxine

Alcohol & Driving

Lasix can cause dizziness and light-headedness, which may be worsened by alcohol and can affect your ability to drive safely.

Alcohol

It’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Lasix. Alcohol can worsen dizziness and light-headedness. The oral solution contains 0.5 g of ethanol per 5 mL dose (equivalent to 12.7 mL of beer or 5.3 mL of wine per dose).

Driving and Operating Machinery

Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Lasix affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to the medicine before engaging in potentially dangerous activities.

Storage

Store Lasix oral solution in the original bottle in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Use within 8 weeks of opening the bottle. Injections are stored by healthcare facilities in appropriate conditions.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Lasix, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, dehydration, dizziness, or excessive urination. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions