Furosemide Dosing

For controlling high blood pressure, the recommended starting furosemide dosage is 40 mg twice daily. The recommended starting dose of furosemide for treating water retention varies between 20 mg and 600 mg. The furosemide dosing amount for children and infants will vary based on weight.

 

An Overview of Furosemide Dosing

The dose of furosemide (Lasix®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking
  • How you respond to furosemide.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Furosemide Dosing for High Blood Pressure

The recommended starting furosemide dose for high blood pressure is furosemide 40 mg twice daily. Based on the initial blood pressure response and/or side effects of furosemide, your healthcare provider may increase (or decrease) your dose if necessary. With each change in dosage, it may take several weeks to see the full effects of furosemide on lowering blood pressure.
 

Furosemide Dosing for Water Retention

The recommended dose of furosemide for fluid retention (edema) can vary between 20 mg and 600 mg daily (taken as a single dose or divided and taken more frequently). Some people will only need to take furosemide when they need it (when they are experiencing water retention). Others need to take furosemide on a daily basis.
 

Furosemide Dosing for Infants and Children

Furosemide is approved for treating water retention (but not high blood pressure) in children and infants.
 Usually, the starting furosemide dose for infants and children is 2 mg per kilogram per day (about 0.9 mg per pound per day). The child's healthcare provider may increase the dose if needed, up to a maximum of 6 mg per kilogram (about 2.7 mg per pound).
 
(Furosemide Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;