Brand Name - Answers Lasix
Pharmacologic Class - Answers Loop diuretic
Therapeutic Class - Answers antihypertensive, diuretic
Mechanism - Answers Inhibits sodium and water reabsorption at the loop of Henle and increases urine
formation. As body plasma volume decreases, aldosterone production increases, promoting sodium
reabsorption and the loss of potassium and hydrogen ions.
Therapeutic Effects - Answers By reducing intracellular and extracellular fluid volume, the blood
pressure and cardiac output decrease.
Indications - Answers Reduce edema by cirrhosis, heart failure, and renal disease, treat acute pulmonary
edema, manage hypertension, treat CHF due to fluid overload
Dosing (Adults) - Answers PO: 20-80mg as a single dose, increased by 20-40mg every 6-8 hour until
desired response occursMax: 600mg daily
IV: 20-40mg as a single dose, increased by 20mg every two hours until desired response
Nursing Implications - Answers Obtain patient's weight before and periodically
Monitor blood pressure
Monitor for hypokalemia (Digoxin may exaggerate metabolic effects of hypokalemia)
Discontinue if oliguria persists >24 hours. (<400mL output daily)
Administer last dose several hours before bedtime
Monitor for signs/symptoms of ototoxicity
Monitor safety
Interactions - Answers ACE inhibitors, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, thiazide diuretics
Contraindications - Answers Anuria, hepatic ascites, hypokalemia
Adverse Effects - Answers Arrhythmias, thromboembolism, pancreatitis, SJS, hypokalemia,
hyponatremia, hypomagnesia, hypovolemia,
Desired Outcome - Answers Diuresis to reduce edema
Patient Teaching - Answers Take at same time everyday to maintain therapeutic levels
Take last dose several hours before bedtime to avoid sleep interruption