Does anyone know what these pills are used for?

Question

A friend of mine has some sort of kidney disease and was prescribed three different types of pills. I was wondering if you guys could help me find information about them and what they are supposed to help with.
The Pills are: Furosemide, Lisinopril & Spironolact

Answer 1

GENERIC NAME: furosemide
BRAND NAME: Lasix
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.
http://www.medicinenet.com/furosemide/article.htm


GENERIC NAME: lisinopril
BRAND NAME: Zestril, Prinivil
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin is a chemical that is made by the body continuously. It narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form. As a result, blood pressure falls.
http://www.medicinenet.com/lisinopril/article.htm


Spironolactone
Common brand name: Aldactone

Type of medication: Spironolactone is a type of medication called a "potassium sparing" diuretic. Diuretics are used to remove a surplus of fluid from the body's bloodstream or tissues. It also acts as an aldosterone inhibitor (prevents salt retention), and is used to treat advanced heart failure when symptoms persist after other drug therapies are maximized. When it is used in this manner, it is not used as a diuretic to remove extra fluid from the body.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney and liver disease and conditions in which there are abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood.

How and when should spironolactone be taken?
Spironolactone comes in a tablet and is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on dosage. It should be taken with a meal or milk to increase absorption. Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods high in potassium such broccoli, spinach, salmon, citrus fruits, apples and bananas, as well as salt substitutes.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2200/2260.asp?index=9228

Answer 2

Furosemide:
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment
http://www.medicinenet.com/furosemide/article.htm

Lisinopril:
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin is a chemical that is made by the body continuously. It narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form. As a result, blood pressure falls
http://www.medicinenet.com/lisinopril/article.htm

spironolactone:
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: One of the main functions of the kidneys is to retain salt (sodium chloride) and water. In patients with heart failure and cirrhosis, increased levels of a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, called aldosterone, causes salt and fluid retention by the kidneys. Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone causing the kidneys to excrete salt and fluid while retaining potassium. Therefore, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing medication that promotes the output of urine (diuretic).
http://www.medicinenet.com/spironolactone/article.htm

Answer 3

furosemide-diuretic. lisinopril-vasodilator, dilates the vessel by blocking a vasoconstrictor called angiotensin. spironolactone-diuretic. so you have 2 pills that are increasing urine output to prevent toxins (urea) from building up to dangerous levels. the lisinopril will help increase blood flow to the kidneys and keep blood pressure down. you can stop at any local pharmacy and they can print out some good information sheets.

Answer 4

Lisinopril: This medicine is an angiotensin converting enzyme (AGE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used with other medicine to treat congestive heart disease or to imrpove survival in some patients after a heart attack.

Furosemide: This medicine is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and swelling due to excess body water.

Spironolactone (I assume that is the drug): This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure.

All three of these drugs are used to help the body remove water through different means. It is not uncommon for patients with kidney disease to be put on diuretics. High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading cause of kidney diseases.

I provided a link to the NIH's website for help on kidney diseases below. You or your friend should get some milage out of it. Also, many cities/states have programs for kidney disease patients, and there will probably be a patient group in your friend's area. Try to get them involved.

I wish them luck!

Answer 5

I take Lisinopril for blood pressure....don't know about the other two.......

Answer 6

It often amazes me, people who will open their mouth, completely ignorant of what they are saying. Please, if you dont know, dont speak.

As has been mentioned, they are water pills and blood pressure pill. No antibiotics here.

Answer 7

Spironolact is an anti biotic