What is the connection between furosemide and potassium?
The primary connection between furosemide and potassium is that drugs often lead to a loss of mineral, which increases the risk of hypokalaemia. Potassium is a key mineral and electrolyte that helps maintain optimal function of all human tissues, cells and organs. Furosemide is a type of water pill or loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to secrete water and salt from the body. Potassium is also excluded with this excess of water. As a result of the connection between furosemide and potassium, those who use the medicine must often be consumed by potassium supplement or potassium -rich food to fight the loss of minerals. It is available as a tablet or liquid and is usually taken once or twice a day. This medicine is a loop diuretic or water pill that works by making the kidneys eliminate excess water and salt into the patient's urine. The connection between furosemide and potassium means that potassium and other vitamins and minerals are often excluded from the body, which increases the risk of a patient of hypokalaemia or low potassium levelsíku when using the drug.
Potassium is a mineral necessary for optimal functioning of the kidneys, heart and digestive system. Muscles and nerves also require potassium. In addition, the potassium is an electrolyte that helps to perform electricity in the body. This mineral and electrolyte is found inside each cell of the human body.
Patient -taking furosemide must be aware of potassium levels. If potassium levels fall too low, hypokalaemia may develop. Symptoms include weakness or lack of energy, muscle spasms and stomach problems. This condition may be life -threatening when an irregular heart rhythm develops and should be treated by a doctor.
As a result of the connection between furosemide and potassium, the doctor can plan a number of blood tests for a patient taking a drug. These blood tests will help the doctor monitor the patient's potassium. If necessary, the patient may need to take a DOPPotassium flaxage or to consume potassium -rich foods to fight the loss of mineral by urination. Some versions of furosemide even include another dose of potassium.
rather than taking potassium supplement, patients may consider incorporating more potassium -rich foods into their diet due to the binding between furosemide and potassium. Mineral sources are half the ash of orange juice, avocado or cooked dried beans. Large banana, baked potatoes or a cup of tomato juice also have a high potassium content. Patients taking furosemide usually have two portions of potassium -rich foods a day.
In addition to the loss of potassium, other side effects are associated with furosemide. The most common is frequent urination, which can persist up to six hours after the dose, but after a few weeks it should gradually decrease. Other side effects include muscle cramps, gastrointestinal problems and headache. Those who experience signs of severe allergic reactions such as sore throat, a heavy rash or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.