Lasix
(Furosemide)
Lowers blood pressure. Removes extra water from your body.
Our bottom line
Lasix (Furosemide) is a very effective water pill and it'll certainly make you go to the bathroom more often.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (furosemide)
Upsides
- A strong diuretic (water pill) that works well to get rid of extra fluids in your body through urination.
- Lowers your blood pressure and your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Works better than thiazide diuretics (like Hydrochlorothiazide) at removing harmful levels of certain electrolytes, such as potassium.
- Okay to take if you have kidney problems.
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What to expect from Lasix, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
371Downsides
- Makes you urinate very frequently.
- Can cause low levels of important electrolytes, such as potassium.
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What to expect from Lasix, on one page
Download Fact SheetLasix (Furosemide) is a loop diuretic (water pill). It works in the kidneys to make you urinate more, which removes extra water and certain electrolytes. This lowers blood pressure and swelling.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (furosemide)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free discount
$4.00 - Get free coupon
$4.99
What to expect when you take Lasix (Furosemide) for Swelling
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Low electrolytes
- High blood sugar
- Sun sensitivity
- Kidney problems
- Rash
Side effect rates for Lasix (Furosemide)
Risks and Warnings for Lasix (Furosemide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Current electrolyte imbalance
Too much Lasix (Furosemide) can cause excessive urine production, which leads to dehydration and low levels of sodium, calcium, potassium or magnesium. The electrolyte imbalance can have negative affects on your muscles or other important organs. Any existing fluid or electrolyte imbalances should be addressed before using Lasix (Furosemide). Any changes for the medicine should be made by a doctor.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats edema (fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), hepatic (liver) cirrhosis, and renal (kidney) disease.Common concerns from people taking Lasix (Furosemide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Requires routine blood tests to check kidney function.