lasix
Lasix (Furosemide) is a loop diuretic used to treat Ascites, Edema, Heart Failure, Hypertension.
Furosemide · by Validus Pharms
Available as a generic: Furosemide
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Furosemide
- Drug class
- Loop Diuretic
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Furosemide 20MG · Furosemide 40MG · Furosemide 80MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- ascites, edema, heart failure
- Manufacturer
- Validus Pharms
- Half-life
- about 2 hours (terminal elimination half-life in adults with normal kidney function) (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$0.05 per ml — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA016273
- Availability
- Discontinued (per FDA)
What is Lasix?
From the FDA label:LASIX ® is a diuretic which is an anthranilic acid derivative. LASIX tablets for oral administration contain furosemide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, starch NF, talc USP, and colloidal silicon dioxide NF. Chemically, it is 4-chloro-N-furfuryl-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid. LASIX is available as white tablets for oral administration in dosage strengths of 20, 40 and 80mg. Furosemide is a white to off-white odorless crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, freely soluble in dilute alkali solutions and insoluble in dilute acids. The CAS Registry Number is 54-31-9. The structural formula is as follows: The structural formula for LASIX® is a diuretic which is an anthranilic acid derivative. LASIX tablets for oral administration contain furosemide as the active ingredient and the following inactive i
How to use
Edema Therapy should be individualized according to patient response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain that response. Adults -- The usual initial dose of LASIX is 20 mg to 80mg given as a single dose. Ordinarily a prompt diuresis ensues. If needed, the same dose can be administered 6 to 8 hours later or the dose may be increased. The dose may be raised by 20 mg or 40mg and given not sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. The individually determined single dose should then be given once or twice daily (e.g., at 8 am and 2 pm). The dose of LASIX may be carefully titrated up to 600 mg/day in patients with clinically severe edematous states. Edema may be most efficiently and safely mobilized by giving LASIX on 2 to 4 consecutive days each week. When doses exceeding 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable ( s ee PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Test ) . Geriatric patients -- In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range ( see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use ). Pediatric patients -- The usual initial dose of oral LASIX in pediatric patients is 2 mg/kg body weight, given as a single dose. If the diuretic response is not…
Side effects
Adverse reactions are categorized below by organ system and listed by decreasing severity. Gastrointestinal System Reactions 1. hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatocellular insufficiency 6. oral and gastric irritation 7. cramping 2. pancreatitis 8. diarrhea 3. jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice) 9. constipation 4. increased liver enzymes 10. nausea 5. anorexia 11. vomiting Systemic Hypersensitivity Reactions 1. Severe anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions (e.g., with shock) 3. interstitial nephritis 4. necrotizing angiitis 2. systemic vasculitis Central Nervous System Reactions 1. tinnitus and hearing loss 5. headache 2. paresthesias 6. blurred vision 3. vertigo 7. xanthopsia 4. dizziness Hematologic Reactions 1. aplastic anemia 5. leukopenia 2. thrombocytopenia 6. anemia 3. agranulocytosis 7. eosinophilia 4. hemolytic anemia Dermatologic-Hypersensitivity Reactions 1. toxic epidermal necrolysis 7. bullous pemphigoid 2. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome 3. erythema multiforme 8. purpura 9. photosensitivity 4. drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms 10. rash 11. pruritis 5. acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis 6. exfoliative dermatitis 12. urticaria Cardiovascular Reaction 1. Orthostatic hypotension may occur and be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. 2. Increase in cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels Other Reactions 1.…
Warnings
Important safety information
LASIX ® (furosemide) is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to a profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is required and dose and dose schedule must be adjusted to the individual patient’s needs ( s ee DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ) . WARNINGS In patients with hepatic cirrhosis and ascites, LASIX therapy is best initiated in the hospital. In hepatic coma and in states of electrolyte depletion, therapy should not be instituted until the basic condition is improved. Sudden alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with cirrhosis may precipitate hepatic coma; therefore, strict observation is necessary during the period of diuresis. Supplemental potassium chloride and, if required, an aldosterone antagonist are helpful in preventing hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. If increasing azotemia and oliguria occur during treatment of severe progressive renal disease, LASIX should be discontinued. Cases of tinnitus and reversible or irreversible hearing impairment and deafness have been reported. Reports usually indicate that LASIX ototoxicity is associated with rapid injection, severe renal impairment, the use of higher than recommended doses, hypoproteinemia or concomitant therapy with aminoglycoside antibiotics, ethacrynic acid, or other ototoxic drugs. If the physician elects to use high dose parenteral therapy, controlled intravenous infusion is advisable (for adults, an infusion rate not exceeding 4mg LASIX per minute has been used) ( s ee PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions ) .
Who should not take Lasix
LASIX is contraindicated in patients with anuria and in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to furosemide.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
The principal signs and symptoms of overdose with LASIX are dehydration, blood volume reduction, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia and hypochloremic alkalosis, and are extensions of its diuretic action. The acute toxicity of LASIX has been determined in mice, rats and dogs. In all three, the oral LD 50 exceeded 1000 mg/kg body weight, while the intravenous LD 50 ranged from 300 to 680 mg/kg. The acute intragastric toxicity in neonatal rats is 7 to 10 times that of adult rats. The concentration of LASIX in biological fluids associated with toxicity or death is not known. Treatment of overdosage is supportive and consists of replacement of excessive fluid and electrolyte losses. Serum electrolytes, carbon dioxide level and blood pressure should be determined frequently. Adequate drainage must be assured in patients with urinary bladder outlet obstruction (such as prostatic hypertrophy). Hemodialysis does not accelerate furosemide elimination.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
LASIX may increase the ototoxic potential of aminoglycoside antibiotics, especially in the presence of impaired renal function. Except in life-threatening situations, avoid this combination. LASIX should not be used concomitantly with ethacrynic acid because of the possibility of ototoxicity. Patients receiving high doses of salicylates concomitantly with LASIX, as in rheumatic disease, may experience salicylate toxicity at lower doses because of competitive renal excretory sites. There is a risk of ototoxic effects if cisplatin and LASIX are given concomitantly. In addition, nephrotoxicity of nephrotoxic drugs such as cisplatin may be enhanced if LASIX is not given in lower doses and with positive fluid balance when used to achieve forced diuresis during cisplatin treatment. LASIX has a tendency to antagonize the skeletal muscle-relaxing effect of tubocurarine and may potentiate the action of succinylcholine. Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics because they reduce lithium’s renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. LASIX combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers may lead to severe hypotension and deterioration in renal function, including renal failure. An interruption or reduction in the dosage of LASIX, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers may be necessary. Potentiation occurs with ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs. LASIX may decrease arterial responsiveness to norepinephrine. However, norepinephrine may still be used effectively. Simultaneous administration of sucralfate and LASIX tablets may reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of LASIX. Patients receiving both drugs should be observed closely to determine if the desired diuretic and/or antihypertensive effect of LASIX is achieved. The intake of LASIX and sucralfate should be separated by at least two hours. In isolated cases, intravenous administration of LASIX within 24 hours of taking chloral hydrate may lead to flushing, sweating attacks, restlessness, nausea, increase in blood pressure, and tachycardia. Use of LASIX concomitantly with chloral hydrate is therefore not recommended. Phenytoin interferes directly with renal action of LASIX. There is evidence that treatment with phenytoin leads to decreased intestinal absorption of LASIX, and consequently to lower peak serum furosemide concentrations. Methotrexate and other drugs that, like LASIX, undergo significant renal tubular secretion may reduce the effect of LASIX. Conversely, LASIX may decrease renal elimination of other drugs that undergo tubular secretion. High-dose treatment of both LASIX and these other drugs may result in elevated serum levels of these drugs and may potentiate their toxicity as well as the toxicity of LASIX. LASIX can increase the risk of cephalosporin-induced nephrotoxicity even in the setting of minor or transient renal impairment. Concomitant use of cyclosporine and LASIX is associated with increased risk of gouty arthritis secondary to LASIX-induced hyperurecemia and cyclosporine impairment of renal urate excretion. High doses (>80mg) of furosemide may inhibit the binding of thyroid hormones to carrier proteins and result in transient increase in free thyroid hormones, followed by an overall decrease in total thyroid hormone levels. One study in six subjects demonstrated that the combination of furosemide and acetylsalicylic acid temporarily reduced creatinine clearance in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. There are case reports of patients who developed increased BUN, serum creatinine and serum potassium levels, and weight gain when furosemide was used in conjunction with NSAIDs. Literature reports indicate that coadministration of indomethacin may reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of LASIX (furosemide) in some patients by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Indomethacin may also affect plasma renin levels, aldosterone excretion, and renin profile evaluation. Patients receiving both indomethacin and LASIX should be observed closely to determine if the desired diuretic and/or antihypertensive effect of LASIX is achieved.
How long does Furosemide stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of furosemide is about 2 hours (terminal elimination half-life in adults with normal kidney function) — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. Linear kinetics — the label gives a single terminal half-life ("approximately 2 hours"). Furosemide is not a prodrug and has no clinically important active metabolite: its major biotransformation product, furosemide glucuronide, is not described as active. The half-life is prolonged when clearance falls — in reduced kidney function, in heart or liver failure, and especially in neonates — so the drug lingers longer in those groups. In a healthy adult, roughly 4–5 half-lives (about 8–10 hours) clears essentially all of a dose from the blood.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: Furosemide Tablet — FDA label (DailyMed SPL), Clinical Pharmacology.
Drug class
How this class works, per Loop Diuretics - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Lasix ranks — best-rated loop diuretic for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Lasix treat?
- Lasix (Furosemide) may be used to treat ascites, edema, heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Lasix work?
- Lasix is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics such as furosemide block a salt-transport protein (the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter) in a part of the kidney called the loop of Henle. This stops sodium and chloride from being reabsorbed, so the body flushes out extra salt and water, relieving fluid buildup and swelling.
- How much does Lasix cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.05 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Lasix?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lasix. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Lasix?
- Lasix is marketed by Validus Pharms. You can see Validus Pharms's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Lasix a brand-name or generic drug?
- Lasix is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Furosemide. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Furosemide are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Lasix available over the counter?
- No. Lasix is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Lasix come in?
- Lasix is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Lasix?
- Lasix is classified as loop diuretic, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Lasix FDA-registered?
- Lasix is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA016273. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Lasix been recalled by the FDA?
- Lasix has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Lasix safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Lasix. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Lasix?
- Lasix's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Adverse reactions are categorized below by organ system and listed by decreasing severity. Gastrointestinal System Reactions 1. hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatocellular insufficiency 6. oral and gastric irritation 7. cramping 2. pancreatitis 8. diarrhea 3.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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