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What Are The Effects Of Diamox And Lasox On The Kidneys?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Question: Concerned with prescription of both diamox and lasox in order to control intraocular pressure. 0.5mg of diamox thrice a day and 0.4 lasix once a day. Are those two medications compatible? If they are, how hard are those two medications on kidneys? What about heart? What are the dangers of taking these together, of any?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No interaction in between them...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Both diamox and lassix are diuretics with different way of action:
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
It has more effects on the eye where it can reduce the intraocular pressure as it reduced aqueous humour level in the eye (the water component of the eye). That's why it is often prescribed in patients with Glaukoma.

Diamox is used only for short term periods as its effect is being reduced over time.

With regards to the mechanism of action in the kidney, the carbonic anhydrase enzyme is also found in the kidneys (proximal tubule). This enzyme is responsible for the re-uptake of the following ions:
- bicarbonate
- sodium
- chloride

Diamox inhibits the CA, thus, these ions are excreted in the urine, more water is also excreted in the urine, leading to reduced blood/intracranial/intraocular pressure. When bicarbonate is excreted in the urine, the pH of the urine will be increased while pH of the blood will be reduced.

- Lasix (furosemide) is also a diuretic, which acts by inhibiting the absorption of salts (NaCl) in the distal tubules (loop of Henle's). It is a potent diuretic. The final result is reduced blood volume and as consequence, the blood pressure will be lowered.

As said earlier, these 2 diuretics are used together only for a short time. There is no incompatibility/interaction between them. You should monitor:
- blood pressure
- blood electrolytes

on regular basis. Can discuss this further with your doctor. Eat more foods (fruits, vegetables, etc.) high in minerals.

No problem will be caused to the heart unless electrolytes imbalances will occur (hypokalemia). As you are going to monitor blood electrolytes regularly, and take care of your diet, nothing worrisome will happen.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7307 Questions

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What Are The Effects Of Diamox And Lasox On The Kidneys?

Brief Answer: No interaction in between them... Detailed Answer: Hi, Both diamox and lassix are diuretics with different way of action: - Diamox (Acetazolamide) inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. It has more effects on the eye where it can reduce the intraocular pressure as it reduced aqueous humour level in the eye (the water component of the eye). That's why it is often prescribed in patients with Glaukoma. Diamox is used only for short term periods as its effect is being reduced over time. With regards to the mechanism of action in the kidney, the carbonic anhydrase enzyme is also found in the kidneys (proximal tubule). This enzyme is responsible for the re-uptake of the following ions: - bicarbonate - sodium - chloride Diamox inhibits the CA, thus, these ions are excreted in the urine, more water is also excreted in the urine, leading to reduced blood/intracranial/intraocular pressure. When bicarbonate is excreted in the urine, the pH of the urine will be increased while pH of the blood will be reduced. - Lasix (furosemide) is also a diuretic, which acts by inhibiting the absorption of salts (NaCl) in the distal tubules (loop of Henle's). It is a potent diuretic. The final result is reduced blood volume and as consequence, the blood pressure will be lowered. As said earlier, these 2 diuretics are used together only for a short time. There is no incompatibility/interaction between them. You should monitor: - blood pressure - blood electrolytes on regular basis. Can discuss this further with your doctor. Eat more foods (fruits, vegetables, etc.) high in minerals. No problem will be caused to the heart unless electrolytes imbalances will occur (hypokalemia). As you are going to monitor blood electrolytes regularly, and take care of your diet, nothing worrisome will happen. Hope it answered to your queries! Dr.Albana