Lasix Side Effects

Lasix

Lasix side effects: The generic name is furosemide. Dosage forms: available as 20, 40 and 80 mg tablets, and oral liquid and solution for IV and IM use is available as generic furosemide. Lasix is a potent short duration diuretic in the class called loop diuretics. The brand name Lasix was coined because of the rapid and relatively short acting nature of the drug, implying that it lasts six hours. Lasix is indicated for duresis in conditions including congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema, edema, and hypertension associated with renal insufficiency. Many of the Lasix side effects are directly related to its potent and rapid diuretic properties. Patients often notice brisk diuresis, and find that they need to stay near a toilet for several hours after each dose of laxix.

Black Box Warnings: Furosemide can cause very rapid diuresis and can lead to very critical fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Dosage needs to be individualized, and medical supervision is needed.

Common Lasix Side Effects: Most patients prescribed lasix note increased urination for the several hours after each dose. This is often most significant when significant edema or fluid overload is present and renal function is normal. The rapid fluid shifts often lead to muscle cramping, and occasionally flank pain that patients sometimes call kidney pain. The most common side effects are related to the mechanism of action of lasix, which is to inhibit the reabsorption of chloride in the Loop of Henle, and the subsequent loss of cations that are lost in the urine along with the anion chloride. Hypokalemia (los potassium), hypocalcemia (low calcium) and hypomagnesimia (low magnesium) along with hypotension, orthostasis (low blood pressure and dizziness when standing up) are examples of these expected common lasix side effects. Weakness, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, and parasthesias are also common lasix side effects. Other common lasix side effects of the skin include rash, photosensitivity, itching, and paresthesias. Lipid change as lasix side effects include elevated triglycerides and cholesterol. Other common lasix side effects are loss of appetite, elevation of serum transaminase levels, and blurry.

Serious Lasix Side Effects: The list of serious lasix side effects by the manufacturer is extensive. To see a complete list see the prescriber’s information by the manufacturer. Many of the serious lasix side effects are metabolic abnormalities like severe hypokalemia, other electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, severe volume depletion and low blood pressure. Other serious lasix side effects can be related to bone hematopoietic disorders and include thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis and eosinophilia. Serious lasix side effects of the skin can include erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Serious vascular lasix side effects can be vasculitis and thrombosis. Interstitial nephritis, pancreatitis, cholestatic jaundice, and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosis are other serious lasix side effects.

Unusual Laxix Side Effects : The ototoxicity that can be manifest as tinnitus in awake patients is a somewhat unusual lasix side effect. Most of the other Lasix side effects are either relatively uncommon or somewhat predictable based on the mechanism of action of lasix.

Drug Interactions: Laxix should be avoided if possible in combination with aminoglycosides and lithium. Lasix has such potent diuretic effects that its use needs to be monitored in combination with a huge list of medications. These include but are not limited to the ACE inhibitors and ARBs, with other diuretics, with most medications that can have potential nephrotoxicity including aspirin, acetaminophen and the rest of the NSAID class, and with most antihypertensive medications. See the manufacturers prescribing information for a complete list of medications that can have adverse effects in combination with lasix.

Pregnancy and Lactation Class: Laxix is category C in pregnancy, but trimester specific risks are noted. Safety in lactation is unknown.

Special Considerations: Laxix is a very important medication for use in serious edema, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema and other conditions. Its rapid onset of action, potent diuretic properties and long list of potential side effects make it both one of the most important medications in common use, and one of the drugs most commonly associated with serious side effects.