Know the 15 Side Effects of Furosemide (Lasix)

Furosemide is an active pharmaceutical component. It's a generic medication that comes in the form of oral pills you'll ingest. Furosemide belongs to the diuretic class, also known as water pills. A drug categorization is a set of pharmaceuticals that function similarly. While it can be an effective treatment, like all medications, it can also come with potential side effects that patients should be aware of.

 In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the side effects of furosemide, what causes them, and what you can do to minimize your risk. Whether you're taking furosemide or considering it as a treatment option, this post will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your health.

What is Furosemide?

Furosemide, an orally available tablet, is a prescribed medication sold under the trade name Lasix. Furosemide is a looping diuretic (water pill) that keeps the body from absorbing excessive amounts of salt. It permits the salt to be excreted in the urine instead. Furosemide treats water retention (edema) in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, liver illness, or kidney problems such as nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide is also prescribed to treat hypertension.

Lasix side effects

Furosemide oral pills, like most medications, can have mild to severe adverse effects. The following are some of the most prevalent negative effects of furosemide oral pills. These lists do not cover all of the potential negative effects. The furosemide side effects might vary based on the following:

• Your age.
• Additional health issues you have.
• Extra drugs you may be taking.
• More information about the potential adverse effects of furosemide may be obtained from the doctor or pharmacist. They can also recommend strategies to lessen adverse effects.

1. Dehydration

Furosemide is a strong diuretic (water pill), and if used in large doses, it can cause excessive urination and dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine, reduced tears, and lowered sweating.  To avoid these symptoms, ensure you are consuming plenty of water. It would help if you spoke with your doctor about your optimal fluid intake.

2. Dementia

Studies have indicated that taking furosemide with risperidone increases mortality risk in adults over 61. The consumption of these two drugs together should be avoided.

Also Read: Dementia: More a symptom than a disease

3. Diabetes

Furosemide may impair blood sugar management in diabetics. If you are diabetic and are at risk of developing diabetes, consult the doctor about how this drug could impact your health and how your medical condition might influence the administration and efficacy of this medication if you require any additional monitoring.  You may be recommended to increase the blood glucose tests you perform daily.

4. Drowsiness

Some patients may experience Drowsiness as a side effect of furosemide. When you begin taking furosemide, you may have Drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair your capacity to drive or operate the equipment. Avoid these and other risky jobs until you know how this drug affects you.

5. Hearing loss

Furosemide can cause both permanent and temporary hearing loss. Permanent hearing loss could be more possible with high, long-term furosemide doses and when this medicine is used with additional medicines that might harm hearing. If you notice a change in the hearing or ringing in the ears, consult the doctor immediately.

6. Kidney function failure

Kidney function is the most common Side effect of furosemide Since this medicine acts directly on the kidneys. The medicine may accumulate in the body due to renal disease or impaired kidney function, producing negative effects if you have impaired kidney function.

7. Fluid and electrolyte balance

This medicine can alter electrolyte levels such as sodium, potassium, calcium, fluoride, and magnesium. The doctor will look to see if things are in balance regularly. The following are warning symptoms of electrolyte and fluid imbalance:

• Confusion.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Lethargy.
• Low Blood pressure.
• Muscular aches or cramps.
• Muscular exhaustion.
• Vomiting and nausea
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Seizures.

A high-potassium diet is advised for long-term furosemide therapy. 

8. Gout

Some furosemide users may get an acute gout attack. An acute gout episode is distinguished by abrupt pain, swelling, and stiffness in the afflicted joint, most commonly the big toe. You may also get a fever. If this is your first attack, get medical assistance right away. If you have previously experienced gout episodes, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.

9. Liver function

Decreased Liver function can allow this medicine to accumulate in the body, raising the risk of adverse effects.  If you suffer from liver disease or diminished liver function, see the doctor about how this medicine may influence, affect, and efficacy of this drug and whether any precautions should be taken.

10. Severe skin sensitivity

Furosemide might result in a severe skin response. These are some examples: Blisters, peeling skin, rash, hives, and itching are all rash symptoms. Consider that an allergic reaction to furosemide might cause a skin reaction. You could be allergic to furosemide if you are allergic to sulfa medications. In that instance, the medicine may raise the chance of a significant skin response.

11. Orthostatic hypotension

Furosemide can produce orthostatic hypotension, a high blood pressure. Whenever people change postures, such as standing up, their blood pressure lowers due to this problem. It can be hazardous since it might create dizziness.  Orthostatic hypotension can cause fainting in severe circumstances. It can also lead to heart problems as well as other dangerous complications. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older people. Such a condition could also be more likely if you are taking other drugs that have this negative impact. If you're dehydrated, you're more likely to experience orthostatic hypotension.

12. Pregnancy

It is unknown what effect furosemide has on the unborn infant during pregnancy. Except if the benefits exceed the dangers, this medicine should not be taken during pregnancy. To avoid any adverse Side effects of furosemide, you should always consult with our doctor.  Also, Contact your doctor immediately if you accidentally become pregnant while taking this medicine.

13. Breastfeeding

Furosemide goes into breast milk and may lower the milk produced. If you are breastfeeding and taking furosemide, it may affect your infant. Ask your doctor if you should continue breastfeeding.

Also Read:How to stop breastfeeding? 

14. Bladder problems

Furosemide might aggravate bladder abnormalities if you have serious difficulty emptying the bladder.  Make sure your doctor knows the bladder issue before using this medication.

15. Thyroid issues

High doses of furosemide (more than 80 mg) might result in low thyroid hormone levels. Before starting furosemide, inform your healthcare provider about the thyroid concerns.

Also Read What Foods to Avoid When Taking Furosemide

Conclusion

Furosemide is used to treat edema caused by illnesses such as heart problems, liver problems, and liver failure. This can help to alleviate symptoms, including breathing problems and swelling in the arms, legs, and belly. This medication is also used to treat hypertension. However, there are several negative effects to consider. Before taking any drug, always visit our doctor.

Book an online appointment with the Best Liver Doctors in India.