Lasix (furosemide) Causes Xerostomia/Dry Mouth/Cotton Mouth

The prescription drug Lasix is used to help individuals suffering from a wide range of conditions, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and liver or kidney disease. Lasix (or Furosemide) works by preventing fluid retention and stopping the body's absorption of too much salt. Regularly scheduled testing is often carried out by your physician to make sure the Furosemide is working effectively. Although your doctor will probably keep a close eye on you to rule out any major negative side effects, other less serious side effects of Lasix can cause substantial discomfort. The most commonly noted (and uncomfortable) side effect of Furosemide is dry mouth.

The medical term for dry mouth or cotton mouth is Xerostomia, a condition in which your mouth is uncomfortably dry due to dehydration or decreased functioning of the salivary glands. If you are currently taking Lasix (or Furosemide) as prescribed by your doctor and are suffering from dry mouth, you may be wondering why. Fortunately, the answer is simple. Lasix acts as a water pill. This means that a person taking Furosemide can expect to urinate more often and can easily become dehydrated if precautions aren't taken. All of these things combine to make cotton mouth (or dry mouth), a major, common-sense side effect of Lasix. Dealing with Xerostomia is not merely a matter of discomfort; over the long-term, dry mouth can increase the risk of bad breath, tooth decay and gingivitis.

Fortunately, there are several remedies to reduce or eliminate dry mouth or cotton mouth. First and foremost, make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Since Lasix will affect the way your body processes fluids, be sure to consult with your doctor about the amount of fluids that will keep you properly hydrated. Secondly, chewing gum is a great way to reduce the discomfort of Xerostomia, because it stimulates the salivary glands to moisten the mouth. In severe cases of cotton mouth, your doctor can prescribe oral applications to reduce your discomfort. With proactive management of Furosemide-caused dry mouth, you can enjoy the benefits of this medication without the discomforts of Xerostomia.