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Oedema

Oedema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. It shows as swelling. It is a sign of an underlying process, not a disease in its own right.

Medicines used to treat Oedema

Lasix

Furosemide

40 · 100mg

Lasix is furosemide in tablet form for oedema and hypertension. It is a loop diuretic that sharply raises urine flow, comes in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.31/ tabletView

Aldactone

Spironolactone

25 · 100mg

Spironolactone film-coated tablets under the Aldactone name are used for hypertension, oedema, heart failure and hyperaldosteronism. Several strengths and pack sizes exist. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.29/ tabletView

Key points

  • Swelling often goes away on its own.
  • Everyday causes include staying in one position too long, salty food, excess weight, pregnancy, varicose veins and thyroid problems.
  • Some medicines can be the cause, including certain blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants and steroids.

What causes fluid to collect

Fluid can move out of blood vessels when the heart, kidneys or liver lose their normal control of salt and water. A heart that pumps weakly pushes pressure back into the veins. In kidney disease, the body is less able to pass sodium out. Cirrhosis lowers albumin, which normally holds fluid inside vessels. When swelling is limited to one leg or an eyelid, a local cause is more likely, such as a clot, lymphatic blockage or infection.

How swelling shows

Visible swelling most often appears in the legs, ankles and feet. The pattern and speed of swelling are part of what decides whether it needs checking.

How oedema is treated

Diuretics are the main treatment for oedema. They increase urine output and draw excess fluid from the tissues. Furosemide is a loop diuretic and the active ingredient in Lasix; it acts quickly and is frequently used when fluid overload is significant and linked to heart or kidney problems. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and the active ingredient in Aldactone; it is useful when loop diuretics lower potassium too far. Orders are shipped to Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.

When to seek advice

Get advice if swelling has not improved after a few days of home treatment or is getting worse. Seek an urgent appointment for swelling in one ankle, foot or leg when the cause is unknown, or for swelling that is severe, painful or sudden. A diagnosed heart, kidney or leg vein condition also makes new swelling worth reporting. Swelling with breathlessness or chest tightness, or pitting oedema that appears quickly over hours, also needs urgent assessment.

What the sources say

  • A swollen area that is red or hot to the touch, or comes with fever, needs urgent assessment. (NHS)
  • Swelling that spreads to the face or abdomen is also an urgent sign. (NHS)

Further reading

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