Lasix, a diuretic, can increase your risk of gout. This happens because Lasix promotes the excretion of water and sodium from your body, but it also affects how your kidneys handle uric acid.
Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism. High levels lead to gout, causing painful inflammation in your joints. Lasix can reduce the excretion of uric acid, leaving more in your bloodstream, potentially triggering a gout attack.
The risk increases with higher Lasix doses and longer treatment durations. Individuals already predisposed to gout face a heightened risk.
Here’s a table summarizing key points:
| Lasix Dosage | Higher doses increase risk |
| Treatment Duration | Longer treatments increase risk |
| Pre-existing Gout | Significantly increases risk |
| Diet | High-purine diet exacerbates the risk |
Managing this risk involves careful monitoring of uric acid levels. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments to lower purine intake. They might also prescribe medication to lower uric acid levels, particularly if you have a history of gout or are at high risk. Open communication with your physician is critical for managing this potential side effect.
