Lasix Side Effects

Side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking furosemide and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • muscle cramps or weakness;
  • an irregular heartbeat;
  • abdominal pain or diarrhea;
  • low blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, fatigue); or
  • decreased hearing.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take furosemide and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dry mouth or increased thirst;
  • headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
  • constipation;
  • increased sensitivity to sunlight;
  • a rash;
  • jaundice (yellow skin or eyes);
  • ringing in the ears;
  • nausea;
  • easy bleeding or bruising; or
  • numbness in the hands or feet.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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Adverse reactions

• Gastrointestinal System Reactions
  • Pancreatitis
  • Jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic juandice).
  • Anorexia.
  • Oral and gastric irritation.
  • Cramping.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
• Systemic Hypersensitivity Reactions
  • Systemic vasculitis.
  • Interstitial nephritis.
  • Necrotizing angiitis.
• Central Nervous System Reactions
  • Tinnitus and hearing loss.
  • Paresthesias.
  • Vertigo.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Xanthopsia.
• Hematologic Reactions
  • Aplastic anemia (rare).
  • Thrombocytopenia.
  • Agranulocytosis (rare).
  • Hemolytic anemia.
  • Leukopenia.
  • Anemia.
• Dermatologic-Hypersensitivity Reactions
  • Exfoliative dermatitis.
  • Erythema multiforme.
  • Purpura.
  • Photosensitivity.
  • Urticaria.
  • Rash.
  • Pruritus.
• Cardiovascular Reaction:
  • Orthostatic hypotension may occur and be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics.
• Other Reactions
  • Hyperglycemia.
  • Glycosuria.
  • Hyperuricemia.
  • Muscle spasm.
  • Weaknesses.
  • Restlessness.
  • Urinary bladder spasm.
  • Thrombophlebitis.
  • Fever.

Whenever adverse reactions are moderate or severe, furosemide dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn.

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Drug Interactions

Tablets, Injection, and Oral Solution

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 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 furosemide should be observed closely to determine if the desired diuretic and/or antihypertensive effect of furosemide is achieved.

Furosemide causes a loss of potassium (hypokalaemia) from the blood, which may increase the risk of adverse effects if it is taken with cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.

When taken together with medicines that decrease blood pressure there is an increased risk of a large drop in blood pressure and fainting, especially when given with the first dose of ACE inhibitors (eg captopril).

The blood pressure lowering and diuretic effects of furosemide may be reduced or abolished when used together with indomethacin and possibly other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID's).

Furosemide may reduce the ability of the body to remove lithium, leading to increased amounts of lithium in the blood. This may give rise to increased adverse effects.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with Lasix medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.