Lasix

Drug Class: Loop Diuretic

Generic Name: Furosemide

Indications: Edema from congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, other conditions requirring ridding the body of excess fluids, adjunctive therapy for acute pulmonary edema

Possible adverse reactions or Side Effects: Gastro-intestinal conditions of anorexia, oral & gastric irritation, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, cholestatic jaundice, pancreatitis; Central Nervous System conditions of dizziness, vertigo, paresthesias, headache, blurred vision, hearing loss, ear ringing, muscle spasm, weakness, restlessness; Blood Disorders of anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, circulatory collapse due to a reduction in blood volume; depletion of water and/or electrolytes, etc.

Warnings & Precautions: Due to electrolyte loss, frequent lab tests should be performed during this therapy! If used for hypokalemia, the drug may cause excessive thirst, weakness, lethargy, restlessness, muscle pains and/or cramps, muscle tiredness, low blood pressure, decreased urination, abnormal heart rate & gastric upsets.

Overdosage may result in: hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hypoatremia, dehydration, hypotension, GI irritation, weakness, lethargy, coma; if this occurs, gastric lavage should be performed, serum electrolytes should be monitored & fluids given; support may be needed for renal & cardiorespiratory functions.

Drug Interactions: Increases the effects of antihypertensive drugs; Increases the risk of acute renal failure when used with NSAID (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs such as butazolidin) and increases skeletal muscle relaxation when used with Tubocurarine or other nondepolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants.

Altered Lab Values: Blood/serum levels: Increases Quinidine, BUN, Creatinine, liver enzymes, calcium, uric acid; Decreases sodium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, PBI; Increases or Decreases potassium and glucose. In urinary values & uric acid: increases sodium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate; Decreases calcium & uric acid; Increases or Decreases potassium or glucose

References: 1, 2, 3