Drug name: Generic Lasix

Active substance: furosemide

Pharmacological effects: Furosemide is a "loop" diuretic that works by interfering with the reabsorbtion of sodium and chloride ions in the Henle's loop of the nephron. Thus, furosemide increases the amount of salts and water excreted by the kidneys. Furosemide also increases the removal of calcium and magnesium ions. By increasing the elimination of water and salts out of the organism, furosemide lowers blood volume and thus, reduces increased pressure inside the blood vessels. Furosemide is also helpful in water retention.

Indications: Furosemide is licensed for treatment the following conditions:

• Edema syndrome of a different origin( edema associated with chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis- portal hypertension, nephrotic syndrome)
• Kidney failure
• Cerebral edema
• Acute left ventricle failure(cardiac asthma, pulmonary edema)
• Hypertension treatment
• Forced diuresis

Warnings and Precautions: Furosemide should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the medication.
• Acute glomerulonephritis
• Terminal stage of kidney failure
• Hepatic coma
• Diabetic coma
• Disorders of the water and electrolyte balance
• Pregnancy and lactation(breastfeeding)

Prior to taking furosemide inform your doctor if any these conditions apply to you:

• Liver dysfunction
• Kidney dysfunction
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Diabetes

Furosemide side effects: Drugs may cause side effects which in specific patients may manifest differently. In the following paragraph we want to underline the most serious and frequent side effect of Furosemide that were identified by the drug manufacturers. The possibility of the adverse effect manifestation depends only on the individual and his specific traits.

• Cardiovascular system: decreased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, increased heart rate and decreased blood volume
• CNS: dizziness, myasthenia, tetany of the calf muscles, apathy, weakness, drowsiness, confusion
• Sense organs: vision and hearing problems
• Digestive system: decreased appetite, dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea, jaundice, aggravation of pancreatitis.
• Urogenital system: oliguria, acute urine retention, nephritis, hematuria, decreased potention
• Hematopoietic system: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis,anemia
• Water-electrolyte balance: dehydration, alkalosis, low sodium and chloride blood levels, high blood sugar levels
• Allergic reactions: hives, dermatitis, itching, fever, photosensibilization,

For full information on any risks and adverse effects associated with furosemide, please consult your doctor, read the included leaflet or contact our customer support service.

Interactions: Before using Furosemide please tell your doctor which drugs or supplements you are already taking including those bought without a prescription. Also check if any additional medicine which you will take during the course of Furosemide therapy are safe in combination. Especially mention if you are taking the following groups of drugs:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Blood pressure medicines
• Corticosteroids
• Cardiac glycosides(digoxin)
• Water pills (Ethacrynic acid)
• Lithium medications
• NSAID's(including salicylates(Aspirin))
• Gastrointestinal medication(Sucralfate)

Patients information: Furosemide is not to be shared with healthy individuals. It is strictly FORBIDDEN to use the drugs in treatment of any conditions unrelated to their indications. The product as well as utilized vials, syringes, needles if used during the course of treatment should be kept out of reach of children and never reused.