Drug Title

Torsemide

Drug Uses

Torsemide is a loop diuretic that is used for the treatment of conditions in which the body retains excess water. Conditions include edema associated with heart, kidney or liver failure amongst others.

Mode of Application

Torsemide can be taken by mouth with or without food. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

It may increase your frequency of urination as you start the treatment. So ensure that you take the last dose before 6pm to ensure that your sleep is not disturbed.

If you have been prescribed cholestyramine, then ensure that you space the dosage by about 4 hours after you take Torsemide.

Do not use Licorice or Korean Ginseng while using the drug. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism of Action

Torsemide is a loop diuretic that makes the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and excessive water.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Torsemide then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C)) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have fluid in your abdomen, 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 or heart failure.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are allergic to any ingredient in Torsemide or to sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide), you are unable to urinate.

• If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Torsemide and contact your doctor immediately.
• It is unknown whether Torsemide is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin) or cisplatin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) or probenecid
• Chloral hydrate, digitalis (eg, digoxin), lithium, suramin
• Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, pancuronium)

If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, excessive urination, headache, increased cough, nasal inflammation, nausea. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include 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.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.