Lasix Injection belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics. It is used for the emergency treatment of very high blood pressure (hypertensive emergency), as it reduces the blood pressure immediately. It also rapidly reduces the swelling (edema) caused by too much water in the body.
Lasix Injection helps your body get rid of extra water and salt through urine. It is commonly used to treat people with excess fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver or kidney disease. It is injected into a vein under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure after giving this medicine.
Ordinary side effects of this medicine include dizziness, weakness, dehydration, decreased potassium level in blood, increased blood uric acid, decreased magnesium level in blood, and increased thirst. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Earlier taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any liver problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests and electrolyte levels is important while using this medicine.
It may reduce the potassium level in your blood so your doctor may ask you to add potassium-rich foods to your diet (such as bananas, coconut water, etc.) or prescribe supplements. Any medication that is advised by your doctor for the long-term treatment of your underlying condition should be continued even after this emergency injection.
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Compassionately do not self administer.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Lasix
Dizziness
Weakness
Dehydration
Decreased potassium level in blood
Increased blood uric acid
Increased thirst
Decreased magnesium level in blood
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Lasix Injection.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Lasix Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Lasix Injection is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Lasix Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Lasix Injection is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Lasix Injection is recommended. However, use of Lasix Injection is not recommended in severe kidney disease patients who are unable to pass urine or the kidney damage is due to some medicines. Please inform your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Lasix Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Lasix Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
How is Lasix Injection different from Torasemide?
Both Lasix Injection and Torasemide are loop diuretics. They are used to treat high blood pressure and edema caused by an underlying liver, kidney or lung diseases. Unlike Torasemide, Lasix Injection is also used in the treatment of hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood). Torasemide has a longer duration of action and is safer to use in patients with renal failure, as compared to Lasix Injection.
Should you drink a lot of water when taking Lasix Injection?
It is advised to take an adequate amount of water if you are taking Lasix Injection. This is because Lasix Injection works by eliminating the extra fluid and electrolytes from your body by increasing the urine production. This elimination of fluids may increase the chances of dehydration if you sweat a lot, exercise vigorously or if the climate is hot. However, if you have kidney or heart problems, you must consult your doctor who will suggest the amount of water that you should be taking. Consult your doctor for any further query or concern.
What is Lasix Injection used for?
Lasix Injection is used in emergency conditions to lower very high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). It effectively lowers and normalizes blood pressure rapidly, thus preventing heart attack or stroke. It also helps to remove excess fluids and electrolytes from the body and reduces swelling (edema) due to fluid retention.
What are the side effects of Lasix Injection?
The most common side effects of Lasix Injection are dizziness, weakness, dehydration, decreased potassium and magnesium levels in blood and increased thirst. You may also notice some injection site reactions such as swelling, pain and redness. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for long or worry you.
How long does a Lasix Injection last?
A. Lasix Injection starts acting as early as five minutes and its effect lasts for about two hours. Lasix Injection may cause depletion of sodium, chloride, water and other minerals from the body. Therefore, close monitoring is required if a person is being treated with Lasix Injection.
What other lifestyle changes should I make while taking Lasix Injection?
Lifestyle changes play a major role in keeping you healthy. Stop smoking and taking alcohol as this helps in lowering your blood pressure and preventing heart problems. Exercise regularly and take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and fat-free products. Avoid taking excess salt in your diet. Practice yoga or meditation and find ways to reduce or manage stress in your life. Ensure that you have a sound sleep every night as this also reduces your stress and hence helps in keeping your blood pressure normal. Consult your doctor if you need any further help to get maximum benefit of Lasix Injection and to keep healthy.
Can Lasix Injection cause weight gain?
No, Lasix Injection does not cause weight gain. On the contrary, you may lose weight as it makes your body get rid of the excess of fluids from your body.
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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