Lasix (furosemide) Dosage
Lasix Dosage and Administration
Tablets 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg and Oral Solution
Pediatric Patients: The usual initial dose of oral furosemide 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
Therapy should be individualized according to the patient's response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain the therapeutic response.
LASIX DOSAGE FOR ADULTS
Fluid Retention
You will probably be started at a single dose of 20 mg to 80 mg dose. If needed, the same Lasix dose can be repeated 6 to 8 hours later, or the lasix dose may be increased. Your doctor may raise the lasix dosage by lasix 20 mg or lasix 40 mg with each successive administration-- each 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose - until the desired effect is achieved. This lasix dosage is then taken once or twice daily thereafter. Your doctor should monitor you carefully using laboratory tests. The maximum daily dose is 600 mg.
Lasix Dosage in High Blood Pressure Treatment
The usual starting dose is 80 mg per day divided into 2 doses. Your doctor will adjust the dosage and may add other high blood pressure medications if Lasix is not enough.
LASIX DOSAGE FOR CHILDREN
The usual initial dose is 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight given in a single oral dose. The doctor may increase subsequent doses by 1 to 2 mg per 2.2 pounds. Doses are spaced 6 to 8 hours apart. A child's dosage will be adjusted to the lowest needed to achieve maximum effect, and should not exceed 6 mg per 2.2 pounds.
If you miss a dose of Lasix
Take the forgotten dose of Lasix as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Lasix dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 Lasix dose at the same time.
Lasix Storage instructions
Keep Lasix in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from direct light. Store Lasix at room temperature.
Preparations of Lasix: Tablet 20 mg, Tablet 40 mg, Tablet 80 mg.
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Lasix Indications and usage
Edema
LASIX is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. LASIX is particularly useful when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.
Hypertension
Oral LASIX may be used in adults for the treatment of hypertension (High Blood Pressure) alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Hypertensive patients who cannot be adequately controlled with thiazides will probably also not be adequately controlled with LASIX alone.
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Lasix Contraindications
LASIX is contraindicated in patients with anuria and in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to furosemide.
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Lasix Warnings
LASIX (furosemide) is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to a profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is required and dose schedule must be adjusted to the individual patient's needs. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)
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Lasix Precautions
Take Lasix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will adjust the dosages of this strong diuretic to meet your specific needs.
Excessive diuresis may cause dehydration and blood volume reduction with circulatory collapse and possibly vascular thrombosis and embolism, particularly in elderly patients. As with any effective diuretic, electrolyte depletion may occur during LASIX therapy, especially in patients receiving higher doses and a restricted salt intake. Hypokalemia may develop with LASIX , especially with brisk diuresis, inadequate oral electrolyte intake, when cirrhosis is present, or during concomitant use of corticosteroids or ACTH. Digitalis therapy may exaggerate metabolic effects of hypokalemia, especially myocardial effects.
All patients receiving LASIX therapy should be observed for these signs or symptoms of fluid or electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia): dryness of mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pains or cramps, muscular fatigue, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, arrhythmia, or gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. Increases in blood glucose and alterations in glucose tolerance tests (with abnormalities of the fasting and 2-hour postprandial sugar) have been observed, and rarely, precipitation of diabetes mellitus has been reported.
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia can occur and gout may rarely be precipitated.
Patients allergic to sulfonamides may also be allergic to LASIX . The possibility exists of exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
As with many other drugs, patients should be observed regularly for the possible occurrence of blood dyscrasias, liver or kidney damage, or other idiosyncratic reactions.
Drug Interactions
LASIX may increase the ototoxic potential of aminoglycoside antibiotics, especially in the presence of impaired renal function. Except in life-threatening situations, avoid this combination.
LASIX should not be used concomitantly with ethacrynic acid because of the possibility of ototoxicity. Patients receiving high doses of salicylates concomitantly with LASIX , as in rheumatic disease, may experience salicylate toxicity at lower doses because of competitive renal excretory sites.
LASIX has a tendency to antagonize the skeletal muscle relaxing effect of tubocurarine and may potentiate the action of succinylcholine.
Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics because they reduce lithium's renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity.
LASIX may add to or potentiate the therapeutic effect of other antihypertensive drugs. Potentiation occurs with ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs.
LASIX may decrease arterial responsiveness to norepinephrine. However, norepinephrine may still be used effectively.
Simultaneous administration of sucralfate and LASIX tablets may reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of LASIX . Patients receiving both drugs should be observed closely to determine if the desired diuretic and/or antihypertensive effect of LASIX is achieved. The intake of LASIX and sucralfate should be separated by at least two hours.
One study in six subjects demonstrated that the combination of furosemide and acetylsalicylic acid temporarily reduced creatinine clearance in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. There are case reports of patients who developed increased BUN, serum creatinine and serum potassium levels, and weight gain when furosemide was used in conjunction with NSAIDs.
Literature reports indicate that coadministration of indomethacin may reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of LASIX (furosemide) in some patients by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Indomethacin may also affect plasma renin levels, aldosterone excretion, and renin profile evaluation. Patients receiving both indomethacin and LASIX should be observed closely to determine if the desired diuretic and/or antihypertensive effect of LASIX is achieved.
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Lasix Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions are categorized below by organ system and listed by decreasing severity.
- Gastrointestinal System Reactions
- pancreatitis
- jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice)
- anorexia
- oral and gastric irritation
- cramping
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- Systemic Hypersensitivity Reactions
- systemic vasculitis
- interstitial nephritis
- necrotizing angiitis
- Central Nervous System Reactions
- tinnitus and hearing loss
- paresthesias
- vertigo
- dizziness
- headache
- blurred vision
- xanthopsia
- Hematologic Reactions
- plastic anemia (rare)
- thrombocytopenia
- agranulocytosis (rare)
- hemolytic anemia
- leukopenia
- anemia
- Dermatologic-Hypersensitivity Reactions
- exfoliative dermatitis
- erythema multiforme
- purpura
- photosensitivity
- urticaria
- rash
- pruritus
- Cardiovascular Reaction
- Orthostatic hypotension may occur and be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics.
- Other Reactions
- hyperglycemia
- glycosuria
- hyperuricemia
- muscle spasm
- weakness
- restlessness
- urinary bladder spasm
- thrombophlebitis
- fever
Whenever adverse reactions are moderate or severe, LASIX dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn.
Overdosage
The principal signs and symptoms of overdose with LASIX are dehydration, blood volume reduction, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia and hypochloremic alkalosis, and are extensions of its diuretic action.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Lasix can cause symptoms of severe dehydration. If you suspect an overdose , seek medical attention immediately.
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