Lasix - Furosemide

Prescribed to rid the body of excessive fluid or edema, Lasix known generically as furosemide acts as a loop diuretic. It functions in a different area in the kidney than the more widely known thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. While thiazides find routine use in controlling high blood pressure, their effect appears weak in eliminating excessive body water. Lasix functions principally to remove fluid retained due to compromised function of the heart, liver or kidney. Volume overload often interferes with lung function and regularly results in pulmonary edema and leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and inability to lie flat at night. Salt restriction must accompany furosemide therapy. Most people fail to realize that so many common foods, sauces, bread, pasta, cereal, condiments and processed meat contain excessive amounts of salt. Lasix begins working quite rapidly and must not be taken before bed. Since food interferes with its absorption from the gut, ideal timing of the medicine is an hour before or two hours after breakfast. The price of Lasix or its generic furosemide is a bargain at less than $15 a month.