Index
It is used to reduce excess fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
This can reduce symptoms, such as shortness of breath and swelling in the arms, legs and abdomen.
Indications
Torasemide can also be 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 it to produce more urine. This helps your body eliminate excess water and salt. .
Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption in the blood of sodium and water that has leaked from the blood into the kidneys.
It is in a class of diuretic medications called “loop” diuretics , which also includes the medications furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex).
Approximately 10 to 20 mg of Torsemide equals 1 mg of bumetanide and 40 mg of furosemide.
The powerful diuretic effect of torsemide can cause the loss of large amounts of body water that leads to dehydration and loss of electrolytes (eg, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium).
Therefore, careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment.
Elimination route
Torsemide is eliminated from the circulation both by hepatic metabolism (approximately 80% of total clearance) and by excretion in the urine (approximately 20% of the total clearance in patients with normal renal function).
Dosages
Before you start taking this medicine you should read the instructions written in the brochure inside your package.
The brochure will give you more information about torasemide and a complete list of the side effects you may experience when taking it.
Take the tablets exactly as your doctor has indicated.
It is usual to be prescribed a dose to take each day and you will be asked to take it preferably in the morning.
There are several strengths of the torasemide tablet.
The usual dose for high blood pressure ( hypertension ) is 2.5 mg per day.
It will be more than this if you are taking it for fluid retention. Your dose and strength of your tablets will be printed on the package label to remind you.
Although torasemide is preferably taken in the morning, you can take it at your convenience.
Swallow the pills with a glass of water. You can take torasemide before or after your meals.
In case you forget to take the corresponding dose, you should take it as soon as possible.
However, if it is after 6 pm at night, you must skip the missed dose and continue as usual the next day.
If you forgot a dose, never take 2 tablets at the same time to make up for the dose you did not take.
Interactions
- Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory: can reduce the effect of the diuretic and blood pressure of the medication.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics: increase the risk of hearing loss.
- Amphotericin B: increased the risk of low levels of potassium and magnesium.
- Vancomycin : increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Corticosteroids: increase the risk of low levels of potassium and magnesium.
- Digoxin : increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
- Halofantrine: increases the risk of heart rhythm disturbance.
- Probenecid: increased diuretic effect.
- Furosemide : increases the diuretic effect.
- Captopril : decreased torasemide excretion.
Side effects
In addition to all the positive effects that the medication leaves, generally all can end up causing side effects, although not all people experience them.
You will find a complete list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet that comes with your medication.
Unwanted effects often improve during the first few days of taking a new medication, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become bothersome:
- Sensation of discomfort (nausea): upset stomach, this is usually mild, but it may be useful to take the tablets after eating.
- Dizziness: particularly when standing up (due to low blood pressure). Getting up and moving more slowly should help. It is not recommended to use tools or drive until the effects have passed.
- Dry mouth: try chewing gum without sugar or sucking sugar-free candy.
You should contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience other symptoms that you think may be due to this medication.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose include dehydration, hypovolemia, hypotension , hyponatremia, hypokalemia , hypochloremic alkalosis, and hemoconcentration.
Precautions
Because not all medications are suitable for people with certain diseases, so it is necessary to take additional care.
For these reasons, it is important that your doctor knows if you have any of the following things listed in the following list, before you start taking the medication:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems: such as difficulty urinating, or if you have fluid in your body (dehydration).
- If you have prostate or liver problems.
- If you have gout or diabetes: these conditions can get worse with diuretics.
- If you have been told you have low levels of sodium or potassium in your blood.
- If you are taking other medicines: including naturopathic medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medication.
