Lasix Pill 40mg over the Counter

What is Lasix 20mg/40mg

Lasix contains the active ingredient furosemide and is used to treat hypertension and edema. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a multifactorial disease; both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to its development, and it is a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and potentially life-threatening kidney dysfunction. Edema is the medical term for fluid accumulation in the body. It is caused by heart diseases such as congestive cardiac failure, kidney diseases such as renal failure, and liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps treat hypertension and edema by removing excess salt and water from the body. It has thus earned the name “water pill”. It acts on the kidneys and prevents the reabsorption of salt from the fluid filtered from the blood. Removal of salt leads to the removal of water as well, consequently lowering the blood pressure and causing the edema to subside.

Lasix is suitable for use by both adults and children. The physician determines the dosage based upon the patient’s symptoms, age, response to treatment, and, in the case of pediatric patients, weight. Lasix is usually prescribed to be taken once or twice a day and can be consumed both with and without food. Since this medication causes frequent urination, it is advised that it should be taken at least four hours before sleeping to avoid disruption of sleep. Lasix can cause dehydration so drinking an adequate amount of water when taking this medicine is highly important. Before starting Lasix, the doctor should be informed of any other medication being taken as drug interactions are possible between furosemide and various over-the-counter and prescription drugs like multivitamins, heart medications, cancer medications, sucralfate, and other diuretics.

Lasix is manufactured by Sanofi Aventis and is available in both injectable and tablet forms. The tablets are sold in 20 mg and 40 mg strengths. Lasix 20 mg tablets are white, elliptical pills imprinted with “Lasix®”, while Lasix 40 mg tablets are white, round pills imprinted with “Lasix® 40”. Both formulations are sold in bottles of 100 tablets.

Lasix Side Effects

Lasix is generally considered a safe drug, but it can cause side effects in some people. Some common side effects such as blurred vision, lightheadedness, and migraines become less intense over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Lasix can sometimes cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which results in the following symptoms:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Muscle cramps

If Lasix affects the kidneys, abdominal pain, numbness and swelling of limbs, and hearing changes, such as ringing in the ears, occur. Medical help should be sought immediately if any of the abovementioned serious side effects occur.

There have been very few reports of allergic reactions to Lasix. If symptoms of such a reaction, including rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the face, tongue or throat, are present, it is important to stop taking the medication and immediately consult a doctor.

author: Dr. Kristine Isaacson