Salix (Lasix, Furosemide)
Generic Name
Furosemide
Indications/Uses
Salix is a diuretic mainly used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, kidney disease, high blood pressure and edema. The drug helps to drain excessive fluids from the body. Oral diuretic tablet plays an important role in the treatment of conditions where removal of abnormally retained fluid is required.
Precautions
It is important to take a few precautions before administering Salix to the pet. Avoid Salix if the pet is allergic to it or other sulfonamides. As the drug is a potent diuretic-saluretic, large amounts of the drug would cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, never prescribe the drug to animals with electrolyte imbalance. Use with extreme caution in animals suffering from diabetes and kidney disease. Salix can interact with ototoxic antibiotics such as gentamicin or streptomycin; NSAIDS such as aspirin or Rimadyl; phenothiazines such as acepromazine; and Insulin, digoxin, and beta blockers such as propranolol. Therefore, do not administer the Salix in combination with these drugs. Check the potassium levels in pets before administering the medicine. Salix could reduce serum calcium levels and might be responsible for tetany in animals that have hypocalcemic tendency.
Side Effects
Salix might give rise to certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, increased urination, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, itching and rash. Pet owners having hypersensitivities to sulfa drugs should be extremely cautious while handling Salix. Wear gloves as there are possible chances of allergic reactions to the medicine.
Dosage Information
The recommended dose of furosemide in dogs and cats is 1-2mg/pound once or twice a day (at 6-8 hour intervals). Cats are generally given a lower dose of the medicine. Higher doses are often administered based on the severity of the symptoms.
Brand Names
Lasix (Aventis), Salix (Paytheon)