Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. It only gives a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of this medicine is Lasix. Each round white tablet contains 40 mg of frusemide (furosemide). They also contain lactose, maize starch, talc, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide.

Frusemide is one of a group of medicines called 'diuretics'. Diuretics are sometimes called 'water tablets'.

Lasix is marketed in blister packs of 28 tablets and bottles of 250 tablets.

The Product Licence for Lasix is held by Hoechst UK Ltd, Hoechst House, Salisbury Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JH.

Lasix is made for Hoechst by Roussel Laboratories, Kingfisher Drive, Covingham, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Doctors prescribe medicines such as Lasix to help remove excess water from your body.

Lasix can interact with some other medicines. Be sure you have told your doctor if you are taking any other medicines particularly antibiotics, steroids, lithium or medicines to treat rheumatism, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis or a heart condition. Also mention if you are regularly taking laxatives.

Have you told your doctor everything about your condition and of any problems you may have; be sure to mention if you have:

• ever reacted badly to frusemide tablets or other diuretics (water tablets)
• an inability to, or difficulty in passing water
• a liver problem
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• low blood pressure - (dizziness on standing)

You should also remind your doctor that you are being treated with Lasix if you become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The usual dose is one tablet daily or every other day.

Unless your doctor has told you differently take your tablets in the morning. Swallow them with a glass of water The effect of frusemide is usually quite rapid and lasts for about 4 hours.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Never double-up on the next dose to make up for the one missed.

In the event of an accidental overdosage, tell your doctor immediately or consult your nearest hospital casualty department.

Medicines may cause side effects in some people. If you notice any of the following, tell your doctor and ask if you should continue taking the tablets: feeling sick, upset stomach, stomach pains, headache, dizziness, muscle pains or cramps, itchy skin or rash, fever, gout, problems with hearing.

If you feel ill after taking the tablets, if you get mouth ulcers, sore throat or repeated infections, if your mood or sleep pattern is changed tell your doctor about it.

If you feel sleepy or unwell after taking this medicine, do not drive or use dangerous machinery.

Keep your tablets protected from light and out of the reach of children.

Do not use your medication after the expiry date shown on the carton.

If your doctor decides you should stop taking the medicine, return any leftover tablets to your pharmacist so that he can dispose of them safely. Only keep them if your doctor tells you to.

This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet applies only to Lasix 40mg Tablets.

Date of last revision: May 1995.