Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S

Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S is commonly referred to as water pill. These belong to a class of medicines known as loop diuretics. Conditions like high blood pressure and excess build-up of fluid in the body cause swelling, through its action on the kidneys. Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S, is available as tablets that can be prescribed to adults and children in appropriate doses. It may be prescribed, alongside other blood pressure or heart medications. 

How Does Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S Work

This drug belongs to a group of chemicals known as loop diuretics, which exert their action via the kidneys. It is common knowledge that salt retains water, and this forms the basis of the working mechanism of Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S. It blocks the sodium chloride (salt) reabsorption by inhibiting their transport channel in the kidney. This causes filtration and removal of sodium, chloride, and other salts along with water, thereby decreasing pressure and edema. 

Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S can be used to treat:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Congestive Heart Failure 
• Pulmonary/cardiac /cerebral edema 

Dosage

Adult Dose

Edema 

Starting Dose: 20 to 80 mg to be taken orally,  as a single dose, or taken every other day

Heart failure 

20 to 80 mg to be taken orally,  as a single dose, to be repeated after 6 to 8 hours, increase by 20 to 40 mg as per need

Maximum safe dose: 600 mg/day 

Hypertension 

Starting Dose: 40 mg to be taken orally, twice a day

Adjust the dose based on the response 

Child Dose

Edema

2 mg/kg taken as a single dose, which may be increased in increments of 1 to 2 mg/kg after 6 to 8 hours

Maximum safe dose: 6 mg/day 

Elderly Dose

Regarding the dosage for the elderly caution is advised, discuss it with your doctor.

How To Use Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S

Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S is available in the form of oral tablets to be taken with a glass of water, milk, or a meal, once or twice a day. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Follow the doses as advised by your doctor. It is also recommended to take the last dose of the day sometime before you to bed, to avoid interruption of sleep.  

Inform your healthcare supervisor immediately, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Allergic reaction 
• Hypotension 
• Skin Rash
• Dizziness
• High blood uric acid 
• High blood sugar 
• Change in color of urine
• Infrequent urination
• Blood in urine 
• Muscle weakness/cramps 
• Swelling of blood vessels 
• Disturbance in electrolytes 
• Disturbance of blood cells (neutropenia, etc.)
• Difficulty with vision
• Raised serum creatinine 
• Hearing problems 
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Weight gain
• Swelling of hands and feet/ankle
• Paresthesia 
• Difficulty in breathing
• Increased alkalinity of blood (metabolic alkalosis)

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S
• Kidney failure 
• Hyponatremia 
• Hypokalemia 
• Liver cirrhosis/encephalopathy 
• Comatose patients 
• Addison’s disease 
• Severe dehydration 
• Pregnancy 

Precautions

• Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S must be used with caution if you have a history of drug-related allergies.
• Any problem in the kidney must be mentioned to your doctor before starting Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S.
• Ensure adequacy of liver function before taking this drug.
• Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S tend to raise blood sugar, caution is advised In case you have diabetes.
• Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S also raises blood uric acid, in case you have gout ask a doctor first.
• Some patients feel dizzy and hypotensive while taking Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S, try to manage your activities accordingly.
• Children can develop kidney stones, monitor your child carefully.
• Electrolyte depletion and low salts in the body are common to develop, monitor your symptoms.
• You may experience muscle weakness or cramps.
• Keep yourself well-hydrated.
• In case of pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor.
• Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S  causes excess urination but at times patients have difficulty passing urine.
• Monitor serum potassium, BUN, and creatinine at intervals.

Always provide correct information to the doctor about all the drugs that you are currently taking. Following drugs may interact with Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S, a few of which are: 

• Antiarrhythmics like digoxin 
• Antibiotics like cephalosporin 
• Anti-maniac / anti-depressants like lithium 
• Antifungals like amphotericin 
• Anticonvulsants like carbamazepinee 
• Aminoglycosides like gentamicin
• Corticosteroids 
• Laxatives 
• Anti-asthmatics like theophylline 
• Immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, methotrexate 
• Antipsychotics like Risperidone 
• Diuretics like metolazone 
• Radiocontrast agents (used in x-rays, scanning)

#1. Can lifestyle changes help me with my condition?

Yes, you can adopt specific healthy lifestyle changes to help with high blood pressure and edema. These include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a wholesome diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits with the cut down on salt, weight loss, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.

#2.   How to store Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S?

Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Store between 25 to 30 °C.

#3. Can I consume alcohol with Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S?

Consuming alcohol is recognized to reduce blood pressure, which, if ingested with the medication, could result in severe dizziness. Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S also interacts with alcohol so it is best to avoid the intake of alcohol during the course of your treatment.

#4. What if I forget to take Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S?

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is nearly time for the next dose.  An alarm can be placed to remind patients to take Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S at the proper time.

#5. Can Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S cause dizziness? If so, how should I manage it?

Dizziness can occur as one of the common side effects. If this happens, you should stop all activities and lie down for a bit. This is, however, temporary and subsides. 

#6. Can I drive while taking Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S?

This medication is known to make you dizzy hence if that happens kindly avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery.

#7. Can Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S be taken during pregnancy and lactation?

Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S is classified as FDA pregnancy category C medicine and should not be taken due to potentially harmful effects on unborn babies. Also, Lasix 20mg Tablet 50 'S is secreted into breast milk so ask a doctor first before taking it.