Should you drink a lot of water when taking Lasix?
You should not drink large amounts of extra water with Lasix (generic name: furosemide) unless your healthcare provider tells you to. In some conditions, like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, your doctor may actually ask you to limit how much you drink each day. Always follow the specific fluid goals given by your healthcare provider.
How much water should I drink on Lasix?
There is no single amount of water that is right for everyone who takes Lasix. Your fluid needs depend on your health problems, your age, your other medicines, and how active you are.
In healthy adults, expert groups suggest total fluid intake (from water, drinks, and food) of about:
- 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) per day for men
- 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day for women
But these general numbers may not apply if you take Lasix or have heart, kidney, or liver problems. Your doctor may set a higher or lower goal for you. If you feel extremely thirsty while taking Lasix, call your doctor. Extreme thirst can be a sign that your dose, fluid goal, or salt intake needs to be adjusted.
Why is Lasix prescribed?
Lasix is a loop diuretic (water pill) often used in people with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver disease (cirrhosis of the liver), and kidney disease. It helps remove extra fluid from the body.
Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack. You should not use this medicine if you cannot urinate (called anuria).
Related: Lasix: 7 things you should know
What are the warning signs of being dehydrated?
Lasix makes you urinate more, which helps remove extra fluid and salt from your body. Because of this, you need to balance two risks:
- Drinking too little and becoming dehydrated
- Drinking too much and making swelling or low sodium worse
The most common signs of dehydration in an adult include:
- weakness
- extreme thirst
- less frequent urination
- dark-colored urine
- fatigue
- dizziness
- confusion
- low blood pressure
- fainting
Becoming dehydrated can cause you to feel dizzy or unsteady, and may lead to a serious fall. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, especially when you first start taking Lasix. This can be more extreme in the elderly.
In hot weather or during exercise you may sweat more and lose body fluid and electrolytes, so you may need to drink more water. Follow your healthcare providers instructions about:
- the amount and types of liquids to drink
- how much salt you should eat
- using potassium supplements or potassium substitutes
- if you can drink alcohol, and how much
- a regular exercise routine
- getting enough salt, potassium or other electrolytes in your diet.
Related questions
- Are losartan and losartan potassium the same or different drugs?
- How long after taking Lasix would you expect to urinate?
- Can you take Lasix for weight loss?
Lasix can cause electrolyte changes and other side effects
Lasix can lead to a dangerous depletion of electrolytes (such as sodium or potassium). This may cause side effects like muscle cramps. muscle twitches, weakness or an irregular heartbeat. The risk is greater in people on a low-salt diet or taking certain medicines.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for any lab blood or urine testing and electrolyte supplements (like potassium) while taking this medicine.
If you take Lasix, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- extreme thirst or a dry mouth
- muscle pain or cramp
- a decrease in urine, no urination, or painful or difficult urination
- swelling in your feet or ankles
- A rapid weight gain or 2 to 3 lbs (1 kg) in one day or 5 lbs (2 kg) in one week
- weakness or lack of energy, feeling drowsy
- low blood pressure
- fast heart beats or an irregular heartbeat
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- fainting
- shortness of breath
- increased urination with extreme thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor (may signal high blood sugar)
- confusion
- weakness
- mood changes or feeling restless
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- nausea or vomiting
- dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- ringing in the ears or a hearing loss
Do not take more than your recommended dose of Lasix. Overdose symptoms may include feeling very thirsty or hot, heavy sweating, hot and dry skin, extreme weakness, or fainting. If you’ve taken too much Lasix, call 911 for emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur with Lasix (furosemide). If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.
Is it dangerous to drink too much water on Lasix?
Yes, drinking very large amounts of water can sometimes be harmful when you are taking Lasix. Lasix makes your kidneys get rid of water and important minerals (electrolytes) like sodium and potassium in your urine. If you drink far too much plain water on top of this, you can dilute the sodium in your blood too much, which can be dangerous.
Signs of possible problems from too much fluid or low sodium can include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Seizures (in very serious cases)
Never try to “flush out” your body by drinking gallons of water while on Lasix. Instead, follow the fluid goal your provider gives you and ask before changing it.
This is not all the information you need to know about Lasix (furosemide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Colucci W (author). Patient education: Heart Failure (Beyond the Basics). Updated Oct 5, 2021. Accessed Dec. 6, 2022 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/heart-failure-beyond-the-basics
- Klemm, S. (2022, June 21). How much water do you need? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need
- Lasix (furosemide). Dosage. Drugs.com. Accessed Oct. 5, 2021 at https://www.drugs.com/lasix.html#dosage
- Water: How much water should you drink every day? Mayo Clinic. Accessed Dec. 6, 2022 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#
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Drug information
- Lasix Information for Consumers
- Lasix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Lasix (detailed)
- Lasix user reviews (56)
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