Lasix (Furosemide)

Side effects

The most common side effects associated with taking Lasix are:

• low blood pressure
• lightheadedness
• constipation
• tingly feeling
• stomach pain
• blurred vision
• numbness
• confusion
• migraine
• diarrhea

Less common side effects also include:

• allergic reactions (urticaria, breathing difficulties, rash)
• nausea
• vomiting
• tinnitus
• jaundice
• feeling drowsy
• excessive loss of weight
• clay-colored stools
• fast heartbeat
• sensitivity to light
• excessive thirst
• weakness
• anemia
• dark urine
• lack of appetite
• problems with urination
• sore throat
• easy bruising or bleeding
• muscle cramps
• low fever
• dry mouth

Side effects occurrence does not only depend on the medication you are taking, but also on your overall health and other factors.

Contra-indications

Do not take Lasix if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not take Lasix if you are pregnant, plan to have a baby, or you are breastfeeding.

Do not take Lasix if you suffer from or have a history of kidney disease, cirrhosis or other liver disease, gout, lupus or diabetes.

Do not take Lasix if you suffer from enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction or other urination problems, or an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Do not take Lasix if you suffer from high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Use Lasix with care if you are taking indomethacin (such as Indocin); steroids (such as prednisone); diabetes medicines; diet pills; sucralfate (such as Carafate); netilmicin (such as Netromycin); amikacin (such as Amikin); streptomycin; tobramycin (such as Nebcin, Tobi); gentamicin (such as Garamycin); digoxin (such as Lanoxin); blood pressure medicines; salicylates (such as aspirin, Tricosal, Disalcid, Dolobid, Salflex, Doan's Pills); cold medicines; lithium (such as Lithobid, Eskalith), ethacrynic acid (such as Edecrin); probenecid (such as Benemid).

This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight. Try to protect your skin where possible.

Avoid becoming dehydrated.

If you are going to have surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Lasix.

Do not stop taking Lasix suddenly.

Q: What is Lasix?

A: Lasix prevents excessive edema (fluid retention) due to kidney disorder (nephrotic syndrome), heart failure, cirrhosis and liver disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).

Q: What are the side effects of Lasix?

A: Lasix has common side effects such as: low blood pressure, lightheadedness, constipation, tingling feeling, stomach pain, blurred vision, numbness, confusion, migraine and diarrhea. If the body rejects Lasix’s ingredients you can experience more serious side effects, including: nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, jaundice, feeling drowsy, excessive loss of weight, clay-colored stools, fast heartbeat, sensitivity to light, excessive thirst, weakness, anemia, dark urine, lack of appetite, problems with urination, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle cramps, low fever, symptoms of allergy reaction (hives, difficulties with breathing; swelling) and dry mouth.

Q: Is Lasix safe during pregnancy?

A: It is not known whether Lasix can harm an unborn baby. Furosemide can pass into breast milk and may harm a baby when you are breastfeeding. Lasix may also slow breast milk production.