Furosemide

by on June 3, 2012
Brand Names:Lasix
Generic name:furosemide
Pregnancy Category:C
Half-life:2 hours

What is Furosemide (Lasix)?

Furosemide is the generic name for the brand name medication Lasix and is a powerful diuretic (water pill) which is used to eliminate fluids and sodium from the human body. In the renal system, salt (made up of sodium and chloride), h2o, along with other small compounds generally are filtered out from the bloodstream and into the renal tubules. The filtered substance ultimately will become urine. The majority of the sodium, chloride as well as water which are filtered from the blood are reabsorbed into the blood until the filtered substance turns into urine and is taken off from the human body.

Furosemide functions by preventing the assimilation of sodium, chloride, and water through the filtered substance in the renal tubules, creating a serious development of the end result of urine (diuresis).

Furosemide Uses

Lasix is used for treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), liver cirrhosis, and kidney ailment, such as the nephrotic syndrome. It's also used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) solely or in combination with other drugs.

furosemideThe recommended dosage of Furosemide for hypertension is 40 mg two times a day. According to the initial blood pressure level response and/or side effects of Furosemide (Lasix), your doctor may raise (or reduce) your dose if needed. With each alteration of medication dosage, it might take many weeks to see the total effects of Lasix on decreasing blood pressure level.

The suggested dosage of Furosemide for patients with fluid retention (edema) can differ in between 20 mg and 600 mg everyday (taken as a one dose or divided and taken more often). Many people will simply have to take Lasix when they require it (if they are encountering bloating). Other people have to use Lasix every day.

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