February 9, 2010
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Drug Factsheets

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Lasix

(furosemide)

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

02224720 LASIX 10MG/ML ORAL SOLUTION
02224690 LASIX 20MG TABLET
02224704 LASIX 40MG TABLET
02224755 LASIX SPECIAL 500MG TABLET

How does Lasix work? What will it do for me?

Furosemide belongs to the class of medications called diuretics. Diuretics like furosemide are used for the treatment of edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive heart failure and disorders of the liver, kidney, and lung. It is also used to control high blood pressure. Furosemide works by increasing the amount of urine produced and excreted and by removing excessive water (edema).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Lasix?

The recommended adult dose of furosemide ranges from 20 mg to 200 mg daily depending on circumstances and the condition being treated. For children, the dose of furosemide used is based on body weight.

Furosemide is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. Results are seen usually within 1 hour and maximum results are seen within the first 2 hours. The diuretic effect may last 6 to 8 hours.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Lasix come in?

Oral Solution

Each mL of clear, slightly yellowish solution with an orange odour, contains furosemide 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, butylated hydroxyanisol, butylated hydroxytoluene, glycerin, methylparaben, natural orange, nitrogen, polysorbate 80 non-animal, potassium sorbate, purified water, sodium hydroxide and sorbitol.

Tablets

20 mg
Each white, round, flat-faced tablet, with one surface debossed "DLF" and the other debossed with the Hoechst "Tower and Bridge" logo, contains furosemide 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, purified water, starch and talc.

40 mg
Each yellow, round, flat-faced tablet, debossed with the Hoechst "Tower and Bridge" logo on one face, and the other face single scored with "LASIX®" debossed above score and "40" debossed below score line, contains furosemide 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, purified water, starch and talc.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Lasix?

This medication should not be taken by:

  • anyone who is allergic to furosemide or any ingredients of the medication
  • anyone with complete kidney shutdown
  • anyone with hepatic coma or precoma
  • anyone with extremely low blood levels of sodium or potassium
  • anyone who is suffering from dehydration
  • anyone with low blood pressure
  • jaundiced (yellowing of skin and eye pigments) newborn infants
  • infants suffering from certain diseases (e.g., Rh incompatibility, familial non-hemolytic jaundice)

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