My husband 73, is on Lasix and for three days failed to take his lasix and last night had a pain in his big toe and when he looked at it it was very red and swollen and quite painful. He decided to take a half tasblet of lasix and later in the night unable to sleep decided to take another whole tablet and this morning felt fine and the redness and swelling in the big toe had disappeared so he felt it not necessary to see a doctor. I, on the other hand feel very uneasy and niow wonder what was the cause and should we treat it more seriously. Please advise soon. Thanks

Lasix is a diuretic that acts to decrease the free water content of the body. Typically, patients with congestive heart failure or poor peripheral circulation use lasix to decrease the swelling in the lower extremities. Lasix should be taken as prescribed to prevent lower extremity swelling so patients do not develop complications such as ulcers or cellulitis (bacterial infections of the skin).

You husband’s redness and swelling in the big toe could be a sign of localized swelling and inflammation due to him not taking his lasix for a few days. However, patients who experience these symptoms could also have gout, arthritis, or an acute injury. You should therefore it might be worthwhile for him to be evaluated by his doctor to rule out gouty attack or arthritis.