Posology : מינונים

4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Since furosemide is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion, careful medical supervision is required. Dosage should be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient.
Adults
Edema: The usual initial dose is 20-80 mg/day administered as a single dose. Usually, prompt diuresis ensues. Depending on the response, a second dose should be administered 6-8 hours later. If the diuretic response is unsatisfactory, the dose should be increased by increments of 20 or 40 mg, no sooner than 6-8 hours after previous dose, until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. This individually-determined dose should then be administered 1-2 times a day. In patients with severe edema, dosage may be titrated up to 600 mg/day.
Mobilization of edema may be most efficiently and safely accomplished with an intermittent dosage schedule. Furosemide should be administered on 2-4 consecutive days, each week.
With doses exceeding 80 mg/day, clinical and laboratory observations are recommended.

Hypertension: The usual initial dosage is 40 mg, twice a day. Dosage should be adjusted according to response. If a patient does not respond, other antihypertensive agents should be added. Blood pressure changes should be observed when used with other antihypertensives, especially during initial therapy. The dosage of other agents should be reduced by at least 50% as soon as furosemide is added, to prevent excessive drop in blood pressure. As blood pressure falls, either the dose should be reduced or the other antihypertensives discontinued.
Infants and Children
The usual initial dose of furosemide in infants and children is 2 mg/kg body weight. If diuretic response after the initial dose is unsatisfactory, dosage may be increased by 1-2 mg/kg body weight, but no sooner than 6-8 hours after the first dose. Doses greater than 6 mg/kg are not recommended. For maintenance therapy, the dose should be adjusted to the minimum effective level.