DIURETIC AND CLINICAL EFFECTS OF LOW-DOSE FUROSEMIDE IN CONGESTIVE HEART-FAILURE PATIENTS

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (10) , 510-517
Abstract
A dose of 20 mg furosemide in congestive heart failure patients produces a significant diuretic and natriuretic effect. The peak effect was observed within 60-120 min in most patients. Congestive heart failure patients [24] were hospitalized for evaluation and management. Two withdrew from the study, and in 3 there was a prolonged (several months) remission of manifestations of congestive heart failure. The remaining 19 patients were treated with furosemide 40 mg/day for a 4-wk period. Six required furosemide 80-120 mg/day, and 13 were controlled on 40 mg/day. On 20 mg twice/day, 1 of the 13 patients dropped out voluntarily, 2 required a higher dose of furosemide, and 10 were controlled on this regimen for a 4-wk period. When dosage was reduced to 20 mg/day, 5 of the 10 patients were controlled for an additional 4 wk or longer, and 5 required higher doses of furosemide. In congestive heart failure patients, furosemide 20 mg/day has significant diuretic and natriuretic properties. A number of patients with cardiac decompensation can be controlled on a relatively low dosage of furosemide, and periodic reevaluation of clinical status and diuretic requirements for maintenance therapy is of critical importance in management of patients with congestive heart failure.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: