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What Causes Changes In Taste And Low Appetite After Having Lasix For CHF?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: My sister has recently been diagnosed at a clinic with CHF. She is experiencing itchiness, feeling cold all over and feels "out of sync". Her meds are Lasix, 40 mgs 2x daily
Glimepiride 4 mg, 2x daily Labetalol 8cl, 2oo mg, 2x daily. and Hydrocodone at night for the cough.
She is also experiencing changes in taste and loss of appetite as a result.
Should she go to the ER? Her first cardiologist appt will be Frid the 23rd of May.
Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, Blood pressure needs to be checked

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Sorry for my delayed response.

Yes, I would recommend a visit to the ER. There is need for her blood pressure to be checked. Since she is on Lasix twice daily for her CHF, there are chances of blood pressure dropping down due to its effect. Drop in blood pressure causes cold and clammy extremities.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (32 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply.
She checked her BP and it is 133/85, pulse is 59 at rest. She feels cold All Over and her hands and feet she says are not clammy. You did not mention my question about the itchiness. She is concerned about being itchy, especially her legs and back. She reports no hives.
The itchiness concerns me.. There are no hives. Could this be a reaction to the meds, or a result of the CHF.
They are all new meds for her, just since Easter week so she has been on them for a few weeks now. I just hope the itchiness is not a sign of Kidney issues now occurring as well....

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lasix again

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the information.

At first I too suspected of an allergic reaction which is very common with Lasix. But it was essential for her Blood pressure to be checked as, it is very common and serious side effect caused by Lasix.

The itching and feeling of cold for sure is a side effect of Lasix. This will come down over a period of time. If its too severe to control then you can give her a dose of Tab Benadryl or cetrizine one per day in the night after food for not more than 3 days.

Wish you good health.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (11 minutes later)

Thank you so much Doctor! It is a relief to know that the coldness and itchiness is a side effect of Lasix and not some new symptom. She is very overwhelmed by this diagnosis. Thank you again! and God Bless you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sure of it. it will fade over time. Need not worry.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar