Specifics from the scenario
Lasix is prescribed along with Accupril to the hypertensive patient because;
- High blood pressure reading of 150/92 in spite of being on the antihypertensive Accupril for the past four months
- Bilateral lower extremity edema.
Explanation:
Blood pressure medications which act as calcium channel blockers like Accupril will widen the constricted blood vessels to allow for more blood and fluid to flow easily.
This sometimes leads to an excess amount of fluid in the circulatory system which gets accumulated in the lower extremities. This leads to edema of the feet, especially in the ankle region.
To treat this fluid accumulation in the feet, a diuretic class drugs are prescribed as an adjuvant. Loop diuretics like Lasix (furosemide) act by lowering the blood pressure as well as reducing the fluid content by increased urine output.
