Uses
Torsemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (oedema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen.
This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Torsemide is a “water pill” (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.
How to use Torsemide
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually once daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day as directed. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Generally, it may take 4-6 weeks, and sometimes up to 12 weeks, before the full blood pressure-lowering effect is seen. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take torsemide at least 1 hour before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. If you are taking this medication to control high blood pressure, tell your doctor if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.
Side Effects
Dizziness or headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either of these effects persists or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
This medication may cause a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears, temporary or permanent decreased hearing/deafness).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking torsemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, inability to make urine, gout.
If you have diabetes, torsemide may rarely affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Torsemide may reduce the potassium level in your blood. Your doctor may instruct you to add potassium-rich foods to your diet (such as bananas, orange juice) or prescribe potassium supplements to prevent potassium loss. Ask your doctor for more details.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhoea, or vomiting can increase the risk of dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting to your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the number of fluids you can drink.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and water/mineral loss.
During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
