Lasix (Furosemide)

What Is Lasix?

Lasix is a fast-acting diuretic, the main active ingredient of which is Furosemide, a sulfonamide derivative. This drug blocks the transport system of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the thick segment of the ascending limb of the loop of Henley. Thus, the diuretic effect of Lasix depends on the flow of the drug into the lumen of the renal tubules. The diuretic effect of this drug is also due to the inhibition of sodium chloride reabsorption in this section of the loop of Henley. Clinically, the action of Lasix is manifested by an increase in the amount of urine excreted due to osmotically bound water. This is accompanied by an increase in sodium excretion and an increase in potassium secretion in the distal renal tubule. The drug promotes the excretion of calcium and magnesium ions from the body.

Lasix Uses

Lasix is a diuretic drug that is used for a fairly large number of different conditions. Among them are edematous syndrome in chronic heart failure or acute heart failure, edema in chronic renal failure, acute renal failure (including that which occurs during pregnancy and burns). The drug is also used to treat edematous syndrome in nephrotic syndrome and liver diseases. Lasix is quite often prescribed in the treatment of cerebral edema and hypertensive crises, and is also often used to maintain forced diuresis in case of poisoning with chemical compounds that are excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Lasix Dosage

Specific recommendations on the dosing regimen depend primarily on the area of ​​application of Lasix. However, there are general guidelines. So, when prescribing Lasix, it is recommended to use its smallest doses, sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The medicine is usually given intravenously. It can also be administered intramuscularly, but it is preferable to take the drug orally in the form of tablets.

In diseases such as edematous syndrome in acute or chronic heart failure, the recommended initial dosage is from 20 to 80 mg per day. It should be noted that the necessary dosage is selected depending on the diuretic response and can be adjusted according to the patient’s response. The amount of fluid consumed by the patient, his weight and concomitant diseases should be taken into account. As a rule, it is desirable that the daily dosage be administered in 2-3 doses.

Those patients on hemodialysis usually take Lasix at a maintenance dose of 250 to 1,500 mg per day.

In acute conditions, such as acute renal failure, the initial dose is 40 mg, but it can be increased until the desired diuretic effect is achieved.

In case of treating poisonings, Lasix medication is recommended to be used only after intravenous infusion of electrolyte solutions at an initial dosage of 20-40 mg. In order to avoid the development of negative side effects on the part of the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance, it is advised to control the loss of fluid and electrolytes before and during treatment with Lasix and, if necessary, restore them.

Lasix Side Effects

Unpleasant side effects associated with taking Lasix and its generics are associated with disturbances in the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance, as well as in the cardiovascular system, metabolism and urinary system. The most common side effects are conditions that develop due to a deficiency of electrolytes or their loss in a short time, for example, in the case of the administration of high doses of Furosemide to patients with normal kidney function. These are hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia, and metabolic alkalosis. The development of these disorders is indicated by symptoms such as headache, convulsions, confusion, muscle weakness, indigestion, and heart rhythm disturbance. In elderly patients, the development of these side effects is observed more often and occurs faster.

From the side of the cardiovascular system, taking Lasix medication is fraught with an excessive decrease in blood pressure, which is manifested by headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. Tachycardia, arrhythmia, and a decrease in circulating blood volume may develop. From the side of metabolism, Lasix can cause an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a decrease in glucose tolerance, and some other disorders. On the part of the urinary system, the use of Lasix is fraught with increased symptoms due to partial obstruction of the urinary tract, especially with prostatic hyperplasia.

Lasix Generic

Lasix has many generics, which are based on the same active ingredient – Furosemide. Medicines are available in the form of both a solution for injection and tablets for oral administration.

Lasix is a medicine that, perhaps, is represented on the world pharmaceutical market more by generics than by the original drug, which is produced in the USA by Sanofi Pasteur. Almost every more or less large and well-known pharmaceutical company, both operating on the international market and local, has one or another generic based on Furosemide in its assortment. These drugs are in great demand, especially among those people who are on hemodialysis and take Furosemide on an ongoing basis.

Furosemide Generic

The use of a branded medicine hits the pocket hard, while generics help save up to 80% of the cost of the drug. Indian-made Furosemide generics are very popular. They are available both as tablets and as solutions for injection. They are manufactured by many companies, including Geno Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Centurion Laboratories and many others. The quality of Indian medicines allows patients to trust them with their health, taking such a serious medicine as Furosemide, which has a systemic effect on the body.

Lasix Generic 100mg No Prescription

Generic Lasix in such a large dosage as 100 mg is in demand primarily among patients on hemodialysis. As a rule, in this dosage, Lasix generics are produced in the form of tablets. This ensures the convenience of taking and the easiest possible use of this medicine at home on an ongoing basis.

Patients are often unable to regularly renew their doctor’s prescription to purchase this drug in the United States. Instead of wasting time and money going to the doctor and getting a new prescription, generic Lasix can be ordered without a doctor’s prescription at most major international online pharmacies, as well as at national Indian online pharmacies that deliver drugs to the US. Pharmaceutical legislation in India is very liberal in the prescription status of many drugs, including Furosemide, so that the buyer will not have any problems.

Furosemide 20mg

Furosemide at a dosage of 20 mg, as a rule, is available as a solution for injection. In this case, one ampoule contains 2 ml of an injection solution with a dosage of 20 mg. The box usually contains 10 or 50 ampoules. Also, some manufacturers offer Furosemide 20 mg in the form of tablets, the package may contain 10, 50, 100 or 250 pieces, depending on the specific manufacturer of a particular generic.

The dosage of 20 mg is the recommended initial dose of Furosemide therapy and if this dosage is sufficient for diuresis, it is undesirable to increase it.

Furosemide 40mg

Furosemide 40 mg is more commonly available in tablet form. It should be noted that the bioavailability of tablets practically does not differ from the bioavailability of the injection solution. However, taking Furosemide in the form of tablets is preferable to intramuscular or intravenous injections, which is associated with the possibility of a milder effect on the body and more accurate selection of the optimal dosage.