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LASIX BASICS:
Lasix is not a hormone compound but a diuretic. Lasix
belongs to the group of saluretics and to be exact is a loop diuretic. Its
effect consists of distinctly increased excretion of sodium, chloride,
potassium, and water. A very important characteristic which must be
absolutely monitored with loop diuretics is the reabsorbtion of potassium
ions, sodium ions, and chloride ions. This causes a considerable
disturbance of the electrolyte household. Due to
its
intense effect on water excretion Lasix is used for treatment of edema and
high blood pressure.
HOW TO
USE
LASIX: Bodybuilders use Lasix shortly before a competition
to excrete excessive, mostly subcutaneous, water so that they appear hard,
defined, and ripped to the bone when in the limelight. The effect of
tablets begins within an hour and continues for 3-4 hours. Depending on
how much water is still in the athlete's body he must have more or less
frequent access to a restroom. This can cause a considerable weight loss
within a very short time. For this reason, athletes often use Lasix to
lose weight and to compete in a lower weight class. Athletes usually
prefer the oral form of the compound. Bodybuilders occasionally use the
injectable and intravenous version the morning of the competition since it
becomes immediately effective when the athlete, due to a more or less
strongly remaining water film, begins to panic. This, however, can also
produce the opposite effect. That is, the muscles become small and flat;
the athlete loses vascularity, and has no pump
during
warm-up when during a very short time too much water and minerals are
lost. It is thus possible that some pro or top amateur shortly before the
beginning of a competition as a last countermeasure is seen with a bag of
glucose solution being injected intravenously so that the blood volume
rises again. In order to compensate for the potassium loss many athletes
take potassium chloride tablets. This, however, involves a certain risk
since an overdose of potassium can cause cardiac arrest. In our
experience, Lasix is taken in the last two days before a competition.
LASIX
DOSAGE:
The amount of the dosage, the duration of application, and the intervals
of intake usually depend on the diuretic effect or the athlete's shape.
Bodybuilders usually take a half or whole 40 mg tablet and wait to see
what happens. Some repeat this procedure once or twice in an interval of a
few hours. Lasix is the strongest diuretic and the most dangerous compound
in bodybuilders' arsenal of medicine. Side effects can include circulatory
disturbances, dizziness, dehydration, muscle cramps, vomiting, circulatory
collapse, diarrhea, and fainting. In extreme cases cardiac arrest is
possible. Extreme caution is advised when athletes who are already
substantially drained and dehydrated continue their loop diuretic
treatment with a "make it or die attitude," or even continue the
intake altogether with a completely reduced liquid intake.
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