Lasix is the most well-known trade name behind the diuretic Furosemide used to treat swelling and water retention in the medical field; especially conditions revolving around the heart and liver. Without question, Lasix has an important role in medical practice, but over the years, it has found its way into performance enhancing circles in physique based sports. When it comes to physique sports, often the name of the game is not only lean, but lean, dry and hard, and Lasix can provide just that.

Lasix – The Basics:

%%Panel.AdSpeedStack%% Lasix is a loop diuretic designed for the sole purpose of treating edema; without question, Furosemides number one purpose over the years has been in the treatment of congestive heart failure which often results in extreme to even horrific edema. By its mode of action, Lasix simply removes fluid from the body; unwanted fluid, and this is where performance enhancers may find it valuable. Of course, unlike most performance based medications, Lasix is not a hormone; it is a diuretic and nothing more.

As Lasix enter the body, the manner in-which both sodium and fluid are dealt with within the body begins to dramatically change. By natural, human design, both sodium and water are filtered from the blood to the kidneys where they then pass out of the body as urine. Through this process, some of the fluid and sodium is reabsorbed into the blood, but eventually it all passes as urine. Enter Lasix and this natural process takes on a unique twist. With the presence of Lasix, the absorption of sodium and fluid is inhibited, thereby causing all fluid and sodium to be passed as waste (urine.) It doesn't take a genius to see, this is one powerful diuretic; in-fact, for the individual who is not suffering from edema it wouldn't take long for a strong majority of his fluid to be expelled.

At any rate, Lasix is available in both oral tablet and injectable forms, with the injectable version being far more powerful. Injectable Lasix begins to work within minutes of administration and will continue to work for approximately 2 hours after one dosing. Oral Lasix will take about an hour to take effect, but the effects of the oral version can last up to 8 hours.

The Positive & Negative:

When it comes to the positive effects of Lasix as it pertains to performance enhancement, there are actually only a couple of things to say. For the physique athlete, this means a tighter and dryer physique, end of story. Then there are some athletes, who might use Lasix to help them meet a specific weight class, but this is not something we recommend and from the negative aspects you'll quickly understand why.

The downside of Lasix is that it not only pushes out water but sodium as well, but many fail to realize this process in-turn depletes potassium; you may have already guessed it, with the use of Lasix you're electrolytes are out of whack. Due to this fact, beyond the risk of dehydration if things are done improperly, it is very easy to begin cramping, and we're not talking about a little stinger up the leg, we're talking about some of the most horrific cramps you've ever experienced and possibly all over your body and all at once. This possible cramping makes Lasix an idiotic choice for any performance athlete, and in truth for most physique athletes as well; there are better options. If you need a diuretic for the stage, you'll be best served with choosing potassium sparing diuretics. Dyazide is without a doubt one of the best choices you can make; a potassium sparing diuretic comprised of Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide