I have been taking Lasix for the last couple of months to combat the swelling in my feet and legs that other medications have caused. I take the corresponding amounts of potassium supplements needed to counter act a potassium deficiency, which water pills can cause. At 40mg a day I don't seem to have any adverse reactions, but when I have to take the 60mg or 80mg I start to get cramp-like pains in the arches of my feet. I know that a potassium deficiency can cause cramps, but I don't want to OD on potassium because that can cause arrhythmia... any I don't need any more health problems. Any suggestions?
Lasix is causing cramps in arches of my feet... what should I do?
Question posted by sweetsonggirl on 15 Nov 2009
Last updated on 1 November 2022
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6 Answers
I have the same issues, right in the arches and it causes my toes to curls inward, it is very painful. I do not know how to stop them but I do know that when I take my Lasix it seems to happen more often. It does happen at times without the lasix, ithas to be some kind of defiency. I got these pills from amazon that guarantee no more cramps and it seemed to help a lot. I wish I knew what causes them because they are way painful and last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes sometimes to get rid of them.
I even ate 2 bananas and my dose of potassium with them yesterday and still getting them/.. I tried the magnesium with it today and will see if I get them or not
It sounds like you have your potassium under control. I eat a banana at least 3 times a week and my doctor tests my levels every 6 months and adds potassium if needed.
I also had the cramping you spoke of. I take 400mg of magnesium for it. No more cramping. And keep your electrolytes up. As easy as a bottle of Gatorade several times a week. I also take 500mg of calcium with D per my doctor. Good luck.
Usually everyone's response to cramping is low K+, but it's not always the case. I get severe cramping in places you didn't even know had muscles and my K+ runs high normal and even high enough I have to drink something to bind the K+ to it to release it from my body. What can cause cramping can simply be dehydration. Or also could be an imbalance of your calcium/mag. but I find it mostly to be dehydration which if I drink some water the cramping will subside.
I've taken Lasix for years and my potassium levels have been in the normal range when tested and when i get any type of muscle cramps i take a little bit of salt from the salt shaker and dissolve it in my mouth. In less than five minutes the cramps are gone.
Please consult your physician immediately. One potentially-harmful side effect of Lasix is that it decreases serum potassium levels. Cramps is one of the first indications of low potassium. The big issue with potassium is that is the primary electrolyte involved in the conduction system of the heart--bottom line is that too much or too little potassium can cause very potentially-debilitating dysrhythmias. Do not, however go out and buy some potassium supplements and start taking them without consulting your physician. He will likely order blood work to determine your exact potassium level, and advise you on taking a supplement or increasing dietary intake of potassium based on your labs. All patients are individuals, and their care/treatment must be individualized according to their needs. Don't freak out--But DO call your doctor. Accurate assessment of your K+ levels via bloodwork is the only safe way to address this issue.
Thanks for the advice, but I am actually already doing all that. I suppose I should have mentioned it in the original question. I know that cramps are an indication of low potassium, but as you mentioned, I don't want to take more than the doctor has prescribed because of the heart issues. According to my last few blood tests, my potassium levels are good and my kidneys and liver are in tip top condition.
I guess I am more just wondering if anybody else has experienced this type of cramp right in the arch of the foot, and what I should do to alleviate it.
Thanks and all the best!
I take lasix and this happens usually more at night. i keep tonic water beside my bed. When the cramps come on, I drink the tonic water then and now.
Yes, I have noticed it happens more at night too. I will definitely be buying some tonic water today so I can try that out.
Thanks so much!
can this defficiency of potassium be corrected by dietary intake and what foods or fruits contain potassium?
My Dr said to eat one tsp of mustard at night,yeah no more cramps,i take 185 mg per day &2 40 mg potassium.had cramps in left hand and feet
My Dr said to eat one tsp of mustard at night,yeah no more cramps,i take 185 mg per day &2 40 mg potassium.had cramps in left hand and feet
This is a fine line we are talking about. If you have been on Lasix for two weeks have another blood test taken to see your current potassium level is correct. Everyone responds differently. I would be careful with taking more than what the doctor ordered as lasix is hard on the kidneys. Many people use the thyizides medications as they do the same job without hurting the kidneys. ie: Hydrochlorothiazide.
You might also drink tonic water to calm the cramps too. Drink it when you have the cramps.
Thanks for your answer. I am strictly following my doctors orders as far as dosages go and I am getting monthly blood tests to make sure everything is still working alright on the inside. I will check into the thyizides next time I see my doctor. Also, thanks for the tonic tip... I will have to try that.
I've been taking Lasix for 2 years used to be on 40 mg, but I decided to try 20 mg and found that a lower dose actually seems to work better than the 40mg... got cramps in my toes but I found that many times the potasuim suppliments given actually caused the cramps... with 20 mg there is no need for suppliments... I have liver cirrohsis... 40 mg seems to be the standard dosage that Doc's start people on, but if you can try the 20 you will know within 2 day's if it does not do the job by weighing yourself each day in the AM... also eating foods that are FRESH... nothing canned, frozen or pre-made or packedged... makes a huge difference in how much water you retain... especially anything that is smoked or anything such as lunchmeats, sausages,bacon... parsley is also a natrual diuretic so if you juice add a bunch of parsley to your drink daily... watermelon has the most potasium natrualy absorbed by your body...
very important to do your own research and keep yourself updated, but lasix has been around for a long time and has a proven "good" track record... :)
Sorry, I forgot VERY important read your labels when taking lasix... DO not eat or drink anything with licorice in it... licorice counteracts lasix (found that one because I dring hebal teas) and a lot of tea's contain licorice... so please read the ingriedents...
Related topics
lasix, fluid retention, pain, edema
Further information
- Lasix uses and safety info
- Lasix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lasix (detailed)
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