Lasix And Potassium Facts

lrupersburg replied: "Diuretics like Lasix can deplete your potassium levels. Most people on Lasix also take a potassium supplement."

~KRazY ~ gURly~ replied: "I also take Lasix but my doctor stopped the potassium because my levels were normal. So it depends on what your doctor orders."

Charles M replied: "well debbie,your doctor is not treating you in your best interest. i have high blood pressure and i take four meds for it. and it makes me retain water, so i take two diuretics , one is triamterene-hctz-37.5-25 mg the other is furosemide 40mg which is generic for lasix. i have to take a potassium supplement or i could die,from a heart attack. low potassium will kill you. i take a potassium supplement called klor-con 8 meq tablet twice a day to counter low potassium from lasix depletion. tell your doctor your very concerned about low potassium ,and he should know already you need a supplement. don't let it go by. your health is the most important thing in your life. take care and be well. charles m"

when taking a diuretic, do you need to take a potassium supplement? my husband is taking a blood pressure medication and was put on lasix (a diuretic). does he need a potassium supplement?

chris m replied: "no"

searching for friends replied: "depending on the strength of the lasix I know that when I take a diuretic I take a potassium supplement just to make sure there are no problems....too much potassium is just as bad as not enough so I would recommend you ask his doctor"

makeitright replied: "If your doctor prescribed a potassium supplement, then yes. Talk to your husband's doctor for the amount of potassium supplement he will need. Lasix is a strong diuretic. I would not attempt to instruct you on something the doctor has prescribed for your husband. You need to ask the doctor."

alcaholicdemon replied: "yes he does,the water pill depletes the potassium level i n the blood witch can cause your heart to skip beats. my Dr. jumped all over me about not taking my potassium pill,she said one of her patients died from an irregular heart beat because of not taking his pill."

phlada64 replied: "There are some of the diuretics that contain their own potassium, but yes, no matter what, if you do take something that makes you urinate more than usual, you need to replace the potassium that's lost. You can just eat foods high in potassium, but if you're watching your weight, a supplement may work out better. Consult the doctor and ask him to recommend the best supplement for your husband. You might want to ask the doctor about Maxide."

Keetie replied: "I was on a diuretic and have not had to take a potassium supplement but I have had to increase my blood tests to ensure its not decreasing. However I did have some issues with sun exposure. I begun using lotions with sun protection because of dark spots on my face. Since that time I only take the diuretic periodically (my Rx was for swelling in the legs)--and got med from the dermatologist for the spots."

grayure replied: "Not if it's a potassium-sparing diuretic or has potassium included. It should tell you on the advice leaflet. Lasix is not potassium-sparing, so unless it has it included, the answer is yes."

julie b replied: "Always ask your doctor what you should or should not take. However, supplements are really not needed unless you have an extremely poor diet. Potassium is common in many foods including bananas and potatoes as well as most all other fruits and vegetables. If your doctor recommends a supplement, consider enhancing your diet with supplement rich foods instead. Your body processes all vitamins and minerals best in their natural forms. It's easier to measure a supplement than the food you consume. So, prescribing a supplement is easier (better) for the doctor but not necessarily you."

Haliman S replied: "Most diuretics enhances the excretion of potassium if given in large dosages. In lower dosages, the diuretics users are simply recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits because they contain a lot of potassium. Certain diuretics have potassium sparing effect. Taking extra potassium pills may even end up in hyperpotassemia (hyperkalemia)"

Joe M replied: "Yes, Lasix causes KCL (potassium chloride) loss. Shame on the physician and pharmacist for not doing appropriate teaching. If your husband's serum (blood) KCL was high short term is OK. Long term (> 2 weeks) can mean cardiac problems and lethargy. KCK is an electrolyte necessary for electioncal conduction of heart and nerve impulses. Anyone on term long lasix must have regular blood draws to monitor KCL. This is very basic medical knowledge, his MD is in error. In the mean time eat bananas , high in KCL."

Rachel C replied: "Lasix is classified as a "loop diuretic". Loop diurectics work in the kidney to promote water loss into the urine, thereby decreasing pressure in the bloodstream (lowering BP). Here is the in-depth answer to your question: Before leaving the body, urine flows through tubules in the kidney that take things out and secrete things into the urine to be passed out of the body. In the area of the kidney known as the thick ascending loop of Henle, there is a transporter called the Na+/K+/2Cl- symporter (the sodium-potassium-chloride symporter). Its job is to take sodium and potassium back up out of the urine and to secrete chloride into it. When you take a loop diuretic such as Lasix, it blocks this transporter, causing more sodium and potassium to stay in the urine. The high sodium levels in the urine draw water out of the blood and into the urine, thus causing water to be passed out of the body. However, when you increase sodium excretion, you also increase potassium excretion. This is why people taking loop diuretics, and some other classes of diuretics, need to take potassium supplements. The side effects and risks of having low potassium include: muscle cramps, heart arrhythmias, constipation, nausea and vomitting, abdominal cramping, depression, and others. So the simple answer: yes, he probably should be on a diuretic for as long as he takes the diuretic. If he stops taking Lasix or takes a different type of diuretic, he may not need to take it any longer and should ask his pharmacist."

michael G replied: "Not if he also takes Enalapril."

mutantalbino replied: "I take lasix and also take a potassium supplement. Your doctor should be doing regular blood tests to check his potassium level. Bananas have a lot of potassium. My father takes lasix and eats one a day per doctors orders. He does not take potassium. A banana has about 450 mg of potassium. My prescription pills have 1000mg to give you and idea. If he gets leg cramps or simply a sick feeling in his calf muscles pour on the bananas AND call the doctor. My experience with cramps is to wake up with my toes pointed straight out, screaming. ( I'm not talking about a little twinge when I say cramp)"

Gordon C replied: "In general no In years gone by when I first started out in medicine we used to put everyone who took lasix onto a potassium supplement. Current medical advice is that this is not required for most people. He needs to have his potassium level checked from time to time (probably initially about two weeks after starting lasix) and his doctor will then make a judgement from there. Some people do need a small amount of potassium, most dont Hope this helps Gordon"

Does this sound like congestive heart failure? My 88 year old mother flew into Chicago for a visit from Tampa. Her feet, ankles, legs and stomach were extremely swollen (this is a small woman) and she was more exhausted from the trip than I have ever seen. Finally got her to admit that this has been going on since May, but she has a physical scheduled in Oct & was "waiting". After 4 days of arguing & the swelling continuing, I took her in to my Internist. He said she had edema, her blood pressure was 150/90, & the office EKG was not normal. He put her on Lasix & potassium and it has taken several days, but the swelling has gone way down; she feels 100% better. The blood work was normal & she is scheduled for an echo cardiogram at the local hospital on Monday. She lives with my brother and he is mad that "I am interfering". She does not have diabetes, can do stairs, has very little arthritis, does not smoke, and was fine last Oct, so he thinks I am just making this all up to annoy him. What do you think?

Rayne replied: "Congestive heart failure usually presents with the following symptoms: Severe edema (swelling) Shortness of breath either on exertion or just sitting Pain with breathing Dry cough at night Nausea Palpitations Irregular heart beat Fatigue Just to name a few You did the right thing taking your mom to the Doctor. If she did not see a cardiologist I would recommend one. She should have also had a chest xray. It is good that she is being scheduled for an echo. Who knows what your brother is thinking, but you did the right thing by taking your mom to the doctor."

Becca replied: "For 88 she sounds like she is doing quite well. CHF is a condition that sometimes comes with old age. But you can live with it. It sounds like the doctor is doing what needs to be done and the right steps. Goggle CHF and learn about it. It sounds like you are quite emotional over this and knowledge is power and comforting. Best Wishes!!"

gangadharan_nair replied: "Your mother has got Stage 1 hypertension. She may have hypertensive heart disease or congestive heart disease. Foot swelling (pitted edema) indicates that pumping of the heart is not satisfactory. This will affect the kidneys also. Heart failure is a syndrome of ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular failure causes shortness of breath and fatigue, and right ventricular failure causes peripheral and abdominal fluid accumulation; both ventricles are usually involved to some extent. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by chest x-ray and echocardiography. Treatment includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors, -blockers, and correction of the underlying disorder. Please note that I am not a medical professional."

Mark M replied: "Yes, it *sounds* like heart failure, and they are doing the right thing by getting an echocardiogram to check her heart's functioning. (It's the standard way of screening for heart failure.) You didn't say what wasn't normal about her EKG. If she has a left bundle branch block (LBBB) that's another indication that she *may* have heart failure. They measure this with what is called the QRS interval on the EKG. An LBBB is a delay in the electrical path to the left ventricle (the big pump). On the other hand, she may have atrial fibrilation (cause for more concern) or just some relatively benign palpitations... All of this may have been caused by simply being low on potassium. Or she may be in heart failure. It's tough to say without knowing more about the EKG and getting the echo results. For more reading on heart failure, I strongly recommend chfpatients.com. The long term prognosis is nowhere near as bad as it used to be, given the advent of beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. (These will also bring her BP down, which is probably a good thing.) As to your brother's position on your "interference", it sounds like his heart isn't into taking care of your mother. You obviously didn't take her in to annoy him, and I'm sure he'll get over it."

Ankle and feet swelling even when taking Lasix, any ideas? My husband is having problems with his feet and ankles swelling even though he is taking Lasix and potassium. On one foot the bottom is covered in blisters and seems very dry, I do not know if this would have anything to do with the swelling because only one foot is like that but both feet are swelling. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. While he is home he keeps his feet elevated but he is a truck driver so while he is driving his legs are just hanging but when he isnt driving he elevates his feet. I worry that someday I will get a call because he cannot drive anymore so any ideas would help because he doesnt want to go to the doctor nor does he have the time,(so he says). So any help would be appreciated very much. Thank you all. Kim He got an Rx for Lasix from the Dr. at the VA Hospital a while ago and I do belive that he has high blood pressure. He is overweight. I know that there is much more going on there than what he will admit to and I suppose now it is just the getting him to go to the Dr and get checked out is going to be the hard part. Thanks for your answers everyone.

Queen B replied: "Is he diabetic?"

john s replied: "sounds like he has a congestive heart failure, or diabetes or vascular disease. Either way, he needs to see a doctor. Is he overweight?? if he didn't see a doctor, how did he get a Rx for lasix??"

jp706x replied: "Sounds like he is really having poor venous return. Does he have vericose veins? Has he tried wearing support hose? I cant imagine being on lasix and driving. Doesn't he have to go pee a lot. Perhaps he is not drinking much due to the urination issue. Does he have diabetes or any kidney problems? It seems there is probably more going on here. edit>> YES CHF is definitely a possibility here."

Tina replied: "Kim, what has the doctor tested him for? Has he been injured in any way like a fall or bump? First off they need to do blood work to rule out diabetes, organ function problems. Next if those tests are ok, heart tests, and vein tests. That would involve an EKG, possible heart ultrasound and holter monitor. Vein tests would be a veinography or veinogram. Ruling out all of those, the result would be lymphedema. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system cannot properly circulate the fluids due to less lymph nodes, surgically removed nodes, or injury to the lymph system. Primary lymphedema means you are born with it but that doesn't mean it activates, it can activate at any time due to surgery/injury, etc. Secondary lymphedema means there is a secondary force. Like women with breast cancer, removal of the breast and lymph nodes causes trauma and less nodes to work with so lymphedema occurs. Your husband needs, if he has lymphedema, to be seen by his doctor and get a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist who would perform complete/complex decongestive therapy on him. That involves manual lymph drainage which is a form of medical massage and quite pleasant, compression therapy, skin care education, skin brushing perhaps, and exercises to promote lymph flow. What he does NOT want to do, is take diuretics if he has lymphedema, all diuretics do is worsen the condition because they push out water from the lymph but leave the plasma, proteins, and garbage waste the lymph should remove. Lymphedema does worsen and progress to more areas of the body so the sooner he gets into therapy the better off he will be. Some lymphedema patients wind up on disability, not that they want to be, but because they were not treated properly from the start and they are in rough shape. Any questions please feel free to email me."

searching04 replied: "Maybe he needs a higher dose of Lasix or a different kind of diuretic... I don't know. He could have a numuber of worsening conditions that will not be diagnosed and treated if he does not go to a doctor. The bottom line is if he wants to get better (or live longer), he has to go to a doctor. What you do to convince him is entirely on your hands! Good luck."

happy replied: "Kim. Stop airing your truck driver problems all over the world. USA commercial drivers have to pass a very stringent physical test every two years and if he fails one test he is done. He is simply trying to hang on the best he can to his job. If you and him can agree to see a new Doctor without the Doctor knowing he is a commercial driver. . .I take that back. They always find out and the law says the Doctor has to report him. Try Desenex for the pimples. Your husband sounds smart by taking lasix and potassium. The swelling could be his heart not being strong enough to take the fluids off his lungs and feet. He is doing the best he can Kim. Pray for him."

Intense Muscle Weakness, stiffness, pain, dizzy, cramps, blood test shows Potassium elevated? I have been treated by my doctor for the last 2 years for extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, joint pain, muscle pain High Blood Pressure, Chest pain. I have what is referred to as flare ups that basically leave me useless sometimes for a day to several days. fell like my body has been kidnapped and pistol whipped and I have no control. Then it is like the Kidnapper eases up but still has the gun pointed on me daring me to move. Then after a few days I just feel like I have been beaten with a baseball bat. I had some lab work done today and this afternoon my doctor nurse called and said my Potassium was elevated and I needed to stop my blood pressure meds, lisinopril, Lasix & Potassium until after I get recheck next week. Does High potassium call muscle pain it has been like my legs will not support my body to walk across the floor. I have trouble getting a good breath and I am Tired. Thanks goodness for FMLA. Can anyone offer some ideas about what I could be dealing with. My first test for rheumatoid arthritis came back negative. Is High Potassium dangerous. Oh yea I have been passing protein through my urine lately as well, I don't know if this means anything or not. any idea, advise or suggestion would be greatly appreciate it. thanks

sunset replied: "Try the Internet."

lasix not working anymore? I have been taking lasix for almost 8 months now...well I had some financial difficulties and wasn't able to go back to the dr. to get my prescription refilled so I went about a month without my meds. I'm on lasix w/potassium, bp med and cholesterol meds. Now that i'm back on my meds again it seems the lasix is not working at all. I am getting so swollen in my legs and now it's in my abdomen and the lasix is not working even when I doubled the dose as my dr.s nurse suggested. Has this happened to anyone before? What would cause it to just quit working and is there any other diuretic that is stronger they can give me? I'm so swollen with water that it's hard to do day to day chores....i'm so miserable here! Thanks for any help you can give me!