Torsemide is used to treat edema (swelling) associated with heart, kidney or liver failure. It is also used to treat conditions characterized by an excess of water in the body. Sometimes it can even be used in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure.
What is Torsemide?
Torsemide is a loop diuretic. It works by triggering the kidneys to eliminate higher amounts of electrolytes (in particular sodium and potassium salts) and water.
How should Torsemide be taken?
Torsemide can be administered orally or intravenously.
Side effects associated with Torsemide
Among the possible side effects of torsemide include the following:
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Frequent need to urine
- Headache
- Severe cough
- Nasal infection
- Nausea
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Diarrhea
- Chest pains
- Dry mouth or unusual thirst
- Persistent fever , chills or sore throat
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or muscle cramps
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Rectal bleeding
- Red, swollen, blistering or peeling skin
- Restlessness
- Bruising or bleeding
- Tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Torsemide
In case of treatment with cholestyramine, Torsemide should be taken at least 4 hours apart. While taking Torsemide, it is necessary to avoid eating licorice or Korean ginseng.
Torsemide may impair the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery. It can also cause dizziness when standing up too quickly from a lying position. These side effects can be aggravated by alcohol, some medications, high fever, or strenuous physical exercise. In addition, the drug may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
Before treatment with Torsemide, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: aminoglycosides, cisplatin, probenecid, chloral hydrate, digitalis, lithium, suramin, and medications for high blood pressure
- You are undergoing desensitization therapy for insect allergies
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from fluid accumulation in the abdomen, hearing problems, diabetes, urination problems, elevated uric acid levels in the urine, blood disorders, kidney disease, lupus, heart attack, dehydration, liver disease or heart failure
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform doctors, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Torsemide.
