Uses Of Generic LasixLasix is used to treat fluid retention or edema in people who suffer from disorders of the kidney, liver or heart [congestive heart failure], in cerebral/pulmonary edema, nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, and sometimes in severe hypercalcemia. Because it increases urine outflow from the body, it brings down the blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension.
Sodium, chloride, calcium and water are filtered out of the blood into the tubules of the kidney but most of these elements are reabsorbed before bring expelled through urine. Furosemide in Lasix blocks this re-absorption process, causing an increased output of urine [diuresis]. Given excessively, Furosemide can cause dehydration, which can be critical for patients with hepatic cirrhosis and ascites [due to cancer, liver cirrhosis/fibrosis, and heart disease], and it is best for such patients to be treated in the hospital, so that treatment for dehydration can be initiated, if required.
Salt, water and other small molecules are filtered out of the blood into the tubules of the kidney. However, most of the sodium, chloride, calcium and water get reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid gets expelled through urine. Furosemide blocks this re-absorption process, causing an increase in the output of urine [diuresis]. Its very name – Lasix, describes its duration – it “lasts six hours”. After oral administration, it takes about an hour for the medicine to take effect while the diuresis lasts 6-8 hours; if Furosemide is injected, it takes effect within 5 minutes and the diuresis lasts 2 hours.
If given in excessive amounts, Furosemide can cause dehydration. This can be critical for patients with hepatic cirrhosis and ascites [which is also due to cancer, maybe cirrhosis/fibrosis of the liver and heart disease] and can lead to coma, so it is best for such patients to be treated in the hospital, where their progress can be continually monitored, and, if necessary, treatment for dehydration can be given. |