Lasix
® (
furosemide) is a medication licensed for the treatment of
high blood pressure in adults and fluid retention in adults and children. It comes in the form of a pill (tablet) and is typically taken once or twice a day.
This medication is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." Lasix is known as a "loop diuretic," named after the part of the kidneys that it affects (the loop of Henle). It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood, which is then passed out through the urine.
By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, Lasix causes a decrease in blood volume. As a result, the medicine can
lower blood pressure and help with water retention.
Even though most people tolerate Lasix water pills well, the medication is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, talk to your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have and any other drugs you are taking (including vitamins, supplements, and nonprescription medicines).
(Click Lasix for a more in-depth look at how these water pills work, potential side effects, general dosing guidelines, and information on what to tell your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.)
