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Compare Lasix vs. Propecia

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Furosemide (Lasix) and finasteride (Propecia) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Furosemide is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, that helps reduce swelling and lower blood pressure by making you urinate more. It's available in both tablet and liquid forms. On the other hand, finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause hair loss. Finasteride is taken as a tablet once daily. While furosemide can cause side effects like frequent urination, dizziness, and dehydration, finasteride may lead to sexual side effects such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, finasteride is not recommended for use by pregnant women due to the risk of birth defects, whereas furosemide requires caution in people with kidney or liver problems. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.

  • Furosemide (Lasix)
    Finasteride (Propecia)
  • Furosemide (Lasix)
    Finasteride (Propecia)

  • Summary of Lasix vs. Propecia

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, a type of water pill. Furosemide (Lasix) is used to relieve swelling from extra fluids in children and adults. This medication can also lower blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Furosemide (Lasix) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It's also available as an oral solution for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Furosemide (Lasix) will cause you to urinate more often as a side effect, so it's best to not take this medication too close to bedtime.

    Summary for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness in adult men. It works by lowering levels of a hormone in your body that's linked to hair loss. You take it by mouth once a day, with or without food. Common side effects can include sexual problems, such as a lower sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or less semen during ejaculation. <br> Note: Finasteride (Propecia) is different from finasteride (Proscar) used to treat enlarged prostate.

  • Indications of Lasix vs. Propecia

    Indications for
    •Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Male pattern baldness

  • Pros and Cons of Lasix vs. Propecia

    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Starts working within an hour after you take it
    •Available in liquid form for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a good choice for people with a sulfa allergy
    •Might cause you to urinate in the middle of the night if you take it later in the day
    •Can make you more dizzy and raise your risk for falling down
    Pros and Const for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Pros
    •FDA approved specifically for male pattern hair loss
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can slow hair loss and support regrowth
    Cons
    •Takes 3 months or longer to see the full benefits
    •Hair loss typically returns if stopped
    •Might cause sexual side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Lasix vs. Propecia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Urinating more often
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Feeling off balance when you get up suddenly
    •Skin sensitive to the sun
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lower sex drive (2%)
    •Erectile dysfunction (1%)
    •Ejaculation problems (1%)

  • Warnings of Lasix vs. Propecia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
    •Caution in people with liver problems
    •Hearing problems
    •Problems with urination
    •Allergic reaction
    •Gout
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby boy
    •Changes to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
    •Risk of prostate cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Lasix vs. Propecia

    Learn more about Furosemide
    Learn more about Finasteride

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