Lasix Dosage

Furosemide / Lasix is a potent diuretic (water pill). Furosemide works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules, causing a profound increase in urine output (diuresis). The diuretic effect of furosemide can cause body water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.

Furosemide is sometimes used only once, so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking furosemide. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Furosemide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Edema may be most efficiently and safely mobilized by giving dosage of LASIX on 2 to 4 consecutive days each week. When dose of lasix exceeding 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable.

Geriatric patients -- In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Pediatric patients -- The usual initial dose of oral LASIX(Furosemetic) in pediatric patients is 2 mg/kg body weight, given as a single dose. If the diuretic response is not satisfactory after the initial dose, dosage may be increased by 1 or 2 mg/kg no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose. Doses greater than 6 mg/kg body weight are not recommended. For maintenance therapy in pediatric patients, the dose should be adjusted to the minimum effective level.

Hypertension--To determine the minimal and patient’s response to gain maximal therapeutic response dose needed to maintain the therapeutic response the therapy should be individualized accordingly.

Adults -- The usual initial dose of GENERIC LASIX for hypertension is 80 mg, usually divided into 40 mg twice a day.Lasix Dosage should then be adjusted according to response. If response is not satisfactory, add other antihypertensive agents.

Changes in blood pressure must be carefully monitored when LASIX is used with other antihypertensive drugs, especially during initial therapy. To prevent excessive drop in blood pressure, the dosage of other agents should be reduced by at least 50 percent when LASIX is added to the regimen. As the blood pressure falls under the potentiating effect of lasix, a further reduction in dosage or even discontinuation of other antihypertensive drugs may be necessary.

You must STRICTLY take this medication as prescribed by your doctor or medical care provider. DO NOT take this medication in larger amounts or more often than recommended take or for longer period than prescribed. Failing to follow these guidelines, you might counter some serious life threatening side effects.