Torsemide

Torsemide (Demadex) is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt. This allows the salt to be passed in your urine. Torsemide is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Torsemide is also used to treat high blood pressure. Torsemide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Torsemide if you are unable to urinate.

You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Important Information

You should not use Torsemide if you are allergic to it, or:

• if you are unable to urinate.

To make sure Torsemide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• gout;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
• a history of urinary tract infection;
• high blood pressure;
• heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• a history of stroke or blood clot; or
• if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Torsemide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether torsemide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Torsemide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Torsemide is usually given once daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Torsemide can be taken with or without food.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using torsemide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not skip doses or stop using Torsemide suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urinating;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• dizziness, fainting;
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, weight loss, tiredness, or Blurred vision; or
• signs of a high potassium blood level -nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement.

Common Torsemide side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea;
• muscle pain;
• headache, tired feeling;
• dizziness, spinning sensation; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also:

• Torsemide
• Torsemide Oral
• Torsemide CDI
• Torsemide Concentrate
• Torsemide Injection

Torsemide Professional Information

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

US FDA pregnancy category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

US FDA pregnancy category X: Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential