Athletes use diuretics including Lasix (furosemide) for a couple of specific purposes. Competitive athletes use Lasix to drop water weight, in an effort to make adjustments in their weight class standings. Since the weigh-in is most often a day or days before a competition/match, one can drop their bodyweight considerably and be back to normal within hours after rehydration. Use of Lasix logically seems to provide an unfair advantage, the athlete competing at a much heavier weight than believed.

This advantage of Lasix is only offset by the now near universal nature of this practice. Bodybuilders also rely heavily on Lasix when preparing for a contest. It can efficiently lower subcutaneous water concentrations, helping to produce that super-ripped look so common on stage today. Make no mistake; a winning look is extremely difficult to obtain without some form of diuretic for example Lasix.

Lasix is prepared as both an oral tablet (usually 20-40mg per tablet) or IM/lV injection solution, the injection being much more rapid in effect. The dosage and method of Lasix's administration is tailored to the individual, dependent on the desired goals and condition of the athlete. Tablets are the most common form administration. Each oral Lasix tablet becomes effective about 1 hour after ingesting and will remain active for an additional 3 or 4 hours.

The athlete will usually start with a mild dose of Lasix, and add to this amount accordingly later in the day. The initial dosage is usually 20 to 40 mg, with the maximum amount usually not to exceed 80 mg. The user will attempt to calculate the optimal Lasix's dosage, and determine the best intake schedule in relation to the show or competition. In order to minimize the side effects associated with Lasix, it is generally used for no longer than a few days.