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Edema
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. In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.
The usual initial dose of oral Lasix 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. The usual initial dose of Lasix for hypertension for adults 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.
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