Torsemide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Torsemide
Torsemide is a diuretic “water pill”. It is a loop diuretic. It acts by making the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium salts and along with it water is eliminated more than normal (diuretic effect).
Therapeutic Uses of Torsemide
Torsemide is used in the treatment of edema or swelling, which is associated with heart, kidney, or liver failure, or conditions when there is excess body water. It can also be used generally with other medicines or alone to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It may also be used in treatment of certain medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Torsemide
Torsemide should be used as per direction of your doctor. Torsemide is taken orally with or without food. Torsemide can increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it and this may disturb your sleep. To prevent sleep disturbance try to take Torsemide before 6 pm.
If you also take cholestyramine, do not take it 4 hours before or after taking Torsemide. Ask your doctor if you have questions. Avoid eating licorice or Korean ginseng while you are on Torsemide. You should ask your health care provider any questions you may have about the use Torsemide.
If You Miss a Dose of Torsemide
If you miss a dose of Torsemide you should take it as soon as possible if you are using it regularly. 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 a time, it will produce excess urine and may cause electrolyte imbalance.
How to Store Torsemide
Torsemide is stored between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). But it cab be stored at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a brief period. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in your bathroom. Keep Torsemide out of the reach of children.
More Information About Torsemide
If you have any questions about Torsemide, discuss with your doctor, 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 for whom it is not prescribed. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Torsemide
Do not use Torsemide if you have any of the medical problems listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Torsemide or to sulfonylureas like glyburide (used in diabetes).
- If you are unable to urinate due to any cause like renal failure or obstruction.
Some medical conditions may interact with Torsemide. Consult your doctor if you have any medical problem that may interact with Torsemide, especially if any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- If you have allergy to any medicine, food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (over the counter medications), herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you have fluid in your abdomen (ascietes), hearing impairment, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, had a heart attack, are dehydrated, or have liver disease, heart failure etc.
Some medicines may interact with Torsemide. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines that may interact with Torsemide, especially any of the following medicines:
- Probenecid or NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin etc. because they may decrease the effectiveness of Torsemide.
- Cisplatin or aminoglycosides antibiotics like gentamicin because the risk of temporary or permanent hearing loss may be increased by Torsemide.
- Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants like pancuronium, because its actions may be decreased and side effects may be increased by Torsemide.
- Chloral hydrate, digitalis (like digoxin), lithium etc. because side effects of these drugs may be increased by Torsemide.
Possible Adverse Effects of Torsemide
- The common and mild side effects of Torsemide are nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, excessive urination, increased cough; nasal inflammation etc. If any of the above minor side effects become bothersome or persistent consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if you experience any severe side effects of Torsemide. The severe side effects of Torsemide are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe vomiting, diarrhea, rectal bleeding; chest pain, dry mouth and unusual thirst, loss of appetite; hearing loss or ringing in the ears; muscle pain or cramps; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness; etc.