Furosemide, commonly known as the pharmaceutical brand Lasix, is a strong diuretic medication used to decrease fluid and salt retention resulting from various health disorders. It reduces swelling, or edema, which can be uncomfortable and lead to further health problems. Weight loss can occur when taking furosemide due to fluid loss; sometimes this is a serious side effect.
Our body comprises of up to 70% water. This water is present in our blood, cells, organs, and nearly everything we consist of. Fluid buildup occurs when the circulatory system dumps off more water within nearby tissues more than the lymphatic system can drain them. This results in swelling which is not caused by inflammation but of fluid buildup. There are actually two forms of such buildup – local and general. A local type of edema is a swelling buildup that occurs only on particular regions or limbs of the body. A generalized type of edema is a swelling buildup that occurs in most parts of the body. In treating such condition, medical professionals prescribe furosemide to help drain the water retention out of the body.
Under normal circumstances, furosemide is prescribed by doctor to patients with edema issues.
However, there are times that medical professionals prescribe furosemide for people with hypertension for use alone or in conjunction to their anti-hypertensive pills. It is also prescribed to persons with hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and hypermagnesemia. One the other hand, there are some who abuse the use of furosemide 40 mg and simply use it for the purpose of weight loss. Since furosemide 40 mg assists in draining out water in the body, some people who are overly conscious about their weight use this drug in order to lessen their weight value.
Rapid and excessive weight loss when taking furosemide calls for immediate medical attention. The product labeling carries a warning because potent diuretics can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Other signs of this problem besides weight loss include thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting.
Some other uncommon but serious side effects associated with furosemide also call for immediate medical attention. These include fever, sore throat, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, abnormal bruising or bleeding, trouble swallowing, breathing problems or a rash with peeling skin. Furosemide can cause extra sensitivity to ultraviolet light, or photosensitivity, which increases the risk of severe sunburn.
Furosemide is available in tablet and liquid forms. Patients usually take it either twice per day or once per day in the morning. If you take furosemide and you miss a dose, do not take two doses to make up for it, as this can cause or worsen side effects.