Drug Name

Torsemide

Drug Uses

Torsemide is used for the treatment of edema (swelling) associated with heart, kidney, or liver failure, or conditions when there is excess body water. It is also used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure.

It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor, which may not be listed in the professional package insert.

How Taken

Use Torsemide as directed by your doctor.

• Take Torsemide by mouth with or without food.
• Torsemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
• If you also take cholestyramine, do not take it within 4 hours before or after taking Torsemide . Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• Avoid eating licorice or Korean ginseng while taking Torsemide.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Torsemide.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Torsemide is a loop diuretic. It works by making the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Torsemide and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Torsemide between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Torsemide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Torsemide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Torsemide or to sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide);
• you are unable to urinate.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Torsemide may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Torsemide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Torsemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Patients being treat for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you might not feel quite normal. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist about any new symptoms.
• Torsemide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Torsemide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.
• Torsemide is a strong water pill (diuretic). Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
• Diabetic patients - Torsemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Weight should be monitored while taking this medication.
• Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are presently taking ketanserin.
• Lab tests including kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Torsemide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Torsemide is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Torsemide during pregnancy. It is not known if Torsemide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Torsemide, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; excessive urination; headache; increased cough; nasal inflammation; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; diarrhea; dry mouth or unusual thirst; hearing loss or ringing in the ears; loss of appetite; muscle pain or cramps; rapid or irregular heartbeat; rectal bleeding; restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

More Information

If you have any questions about Torsemide, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Torsemide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.