Furosemide (Lasix) Medication

• Active ingredient: Furosemide
• Common brand names: Lasix
• Drug class: Loop diuretic, Antihypertensive
• Pregnancy category: C
• Dosage forms: 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets; 10 mg per mL and 40 mg per 5 mL, with 11.5% alcohol oral solution

Lasix (Furosemide) is a very powerful short-acting loop diuretic. Furosemide leads to water loss via increased urine production. This makes it a useful medication in conditions where the removal of excessive fluids would be beneficial. Lasix (furosemide) is used to treat:

• Edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome.
• Acute pulmonary edema, as adjunctive therapy

Furosemide Advantages & Benefits

• very powerful type of diuretic
• rapid onset of action - provides prompt diuresis
• provides convenient routes of administration - oral, IV, IM.

Furosemide Drawbacks

• may cause potassium deficiency
• risk for development of furosemide-induced ototoxicity

Onset of action:

Oral: 30-60 minutes
I.M.: 30 minutes
I.V.: 5 minutes

Duration of action

Oral: 6-8 hours
I.V.: 2 hours

Mechanism of action

Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle and distal renal tubule, interfering with the chloride-binding cotransport system, thus causing increased excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium.

Lasix (Furosemide) Alternatives - Natural Diuretics

• Green tea
  Green tea is a natural diuretic food that has been in use for centuries in China.
• Cranberry juice
  Consumption of cranberry juice can aid in removal of excess fluid retention.
• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar exhibits natural diuretic properties and in addition maintains the potassium levels.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
  Dandelion is a well-known natural diuretic and have been shown to provide great relief from high blood pressure and water retention.
• Celery
• Asparagus
• Melon, watermelon
• Water
  One of the most effective natural diuretics is good water. Drinking extra water stimulates your kidneys, and they begin functioning more efficiently, removing excess water. In fact, sometimes water retention is a sign that you are not drinking enough water.

• 1. Marilyn W. Edmunds, MS, PhD, ANP, GNP. Mastering the Basics for Better Drug Prescribing. National Conference for Nurse Practitioners 2001. MedScape