Some five million Americans suffer from the cardiovascular disorder commonly known as heart failure, reports MedinePlus, a website maintained by the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include advanced age, history of heart attack, infection with a heart-damaging virus, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, a condition in which an individual stops breathing during sleep.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure develops when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood to the body in an effective manner. As a result, fluid pools in the lungs and the ankles, feet and legs. Lasix and other medications often play an important role in the management of congestive heart failure. Fluid limitation, tolerable exercise and a low-sodium diet are frequently used as well.
Lasix
Lasix is a prescription medication containing furosemide, a diuretic that helps the kidneys get rid of the extra fluid and sodium in the bloodstream, keeping fluid from pooling in the lungs and lower extremities. Lasix may induce a large volume of urine and potentially a loss of sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium. It also reduces blood pressure.
Administration
Furosemide may be given orally as a tablet or a liquid solution, explains the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide." It is also given as an injection into the vein and occasionally into the muscle. Oral furosemide should be given in the morning when possible to avoid having to void repeatedly at night, interrupting the sleep cycle. Oral Lasix typically begins working within an hour and lasts for up to eight hours. Injectable furosemide often begins working within five minutes; it lasts for around two hours. Furosemide may be given on a regular basis--once a day, or it may be given as needed for excess fluid build-up. Some individuals with congestive heart failure take furosemide in the morning and again about six to eight hours later.
Side Effects
Lasix may have unwanted side effects in the person with congestive heart failure. Lightheadedness, hearing loss, rapid heartbeat, a tendency to bleed easily and muscle pain may manifest during Lasix usage, explains Drugs.com. Weakness, loss of appetite, stomach irritation, muscle cramps, rash, skin sensitivity to sunlight, itching, vomiting, numbness of hands or feet, lowered blood pressure upon standing, yellowed vision and bladder spasms are common side effects. The prescribing physician should be made aware of all side effects. Regular blood tests are given to monitor for other adverse effects, including lowered blood cell counts and electrolyte imbalances.
Effects on Weight
Furosemide can lead to a minor weight loss as it removes excess fluid from the body. Individuals with congestive heart failure are often instructed to weigh daily at the same time each day and to report a weight gain or loss of more than three pounds in one day, according to the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide." A change in the dosage of Lasix or other treatment may be required for a drastic weight change.
References
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010.
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002.
- Drugs: Lasix Consumer Information
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Failure
- MedlinePlus: Heart Failure
