furosemide (Lasix)

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If a patient is given 40mg of Lasix at 0800 how long does it stay in the system, or before the frequent urge to urinate stops?

Thanks

Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

The half life of lasix is two hours, as to how long will a patient continue to urinate. I do not have that answer.

Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

I have no scientific data to support this, but a doc I knew once said that Lasix was the trade name because it lasts for six hours. Even if its not true, I thought it was pretty clever and her reason for ordering it in the beginning of the day instead of looking at the I&Os for the day and ordering it on NOC.

Specializes in CTICU.

The manufacturer info here states:

LASIX® is rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. The diuretic effect of furosemide is apparent within one hour following oral administration and the peak effect occurs in the first or second hour. The duration of action is 4-6 hours but may continue up to 8 hours. Following intravenous administration of the drug, the diuresis occurs within 30 minutes and the duration of action is about 2 hours.

Specializes in Cardiac, stroke, telemetry,Med-surgical.
I have no scientific data to support this but a doc I knew once said that Lasix was the trade name because it [b']la[/b]sts for six hours. Even if its not true, I thought it was pretty clever and her reason for ordering it in the beginning of the day instead of looking at the I&Os for the day and ordering it on NOC.

Thank you. What a wonderful way of remembering the duration of action of this medication! Last-- six, Lasix.:wink2:

Thank you. What a wonderful way of remembering the duration of action of this medication! Last-- six, Lasix.:wink2:

the quote was used on either ER or chicago hope, years ago....thought it was a handy way to remember, also important when giving it BID.....

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