Lasix vs. Proscar, Propecia

• Are Proscar, Propecia and Lasix the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Lasix?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Proscar, Propecia?
• What Is Lasix?
• What Is Proscar, Propecia?
• What Drugs Interact with Lasix?
• What Drugs Interact with Proscar, Propecia?
• How Should Lasix Be Taken?
• How Should Proscar, Propecia Be Taken?

Lasix (furosemide) is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation (edema) caused by congestive heart failure, liver failure, renal failure, and nephritic syndrome. Lasix may be used with antihypertensive drugs to control high blood pressure (hypertension).

Proscar (finasteride) is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate and Propecia (finasteride) is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only.

Lasix and Proscar and Propecia belong to different drug classes. Lasix is a diuretic (“water pill”) and Proscar and Propecia are 5a-reductase inhibitors.

Side effects of Lasix and Proscar and Propecia that are similar include skin rash, weakness, and dizziness.

Side effects of Lasix that are different from Proscar and Propecia include increased urination, thirst, muscle cramps, itching, spinning sensation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation.

Side effects of Proscar and Propecia that are different from Lasix include impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, abnormal ejaculation, swelling in your hands or feet, swelling or tenderness in your breasts, feeling faint, headache, and runny nose.

Lasix may interact with sucralfate, cisplatin, cyclosporine, ethacrynic acid, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medications, laxatives, salicylates such as aspirin, and steroids.

Proscar and Propecia may interact with other drugs.

Common side effects of Lasix include:

• increased urination,
• thirst,
• muscle cramps,
• itching or rash,
• weakness,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• diarrhea,
• stomach pain, and
• constipation.

Serious side effects of Lasix include:

• dehydration,
• dark urine,
• clay-colored stools,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• fever,
• jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes),
• electrolyte abnormalities,
• loss of appetite, and
• rapid weight loss.

Common side effects of Proscar, Propecia include:

• impotence,
• loss of interest in sex,
• trouble having an orgasm,
• abnormal ejaculation,
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• feeling faint,
• headache,
• runny nose, or
• skin rash.

In some men, Proscar, Propecia can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless. Proscar, Propecia may also increase hair growth. The sexual side effects of Proscar may continue after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

Lasix (furosemide) is an anthranilic acid derivative that is used as a strong diuretic in adults and children to treat excessive fluid accumulation (edema) caused by congestive heart failure, liver failure, renal failure, and nephritic syndrome. Lasix may be used with antihypertensive drugs to control high blood pressure (hypertension).

Proscar, Propecia (finasteride) is an inhibitor of steroid Type II 5a-reductase, that works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate, and is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Proscar is available in generic form.

Lasix may interact with lithium or steroids.

Lasix may also interact with sucralfate, cisplatin, cyclosporine, ethacrynic acid, methotrexate, phenytoin, antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medications, laxatives, or salicylates such as aspirin.

Proscar, Propecia may interact with other medicines.

Lasix is available in tablet (20 to 80 mg) and IV forms. Dosage is determined by the patient's physician and varies according to how much fluid and how fast the fluid should be removed. Patients with poor renal function usually require higher doses; doses in children are weight-based. Lasix may interact with sucralfate, cisplatin, cyclosporine, ethacrynic acid, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medications, laxatives, salicylates such as aspirin, or steroids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Lasix; it is unknown if it will harm a fetus. Lasix passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Lasix may also slow breast milk production. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The recommended dose of Proscar is one tablet (5 mg) taken once a day.