Generic Name: torsemide (TORE se mide)Brand Names: Demadex
Torsemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.
Torsemide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Torsemide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease, or an allergy to sulfa drugs..
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking torsemide.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Demadex (torsemide)?Do not use this medication if you are allergic to torsemide, or if you are unable to urinate.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take torsemide:
an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not allow the tablets to freeze.See also: Demadex dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, or confusion.
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking torsemide.
dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
fast or uneven heartbeat;
muscle pain or weakness;
coughing up blood;
bloody or black, tarry stools; or
hearing loss.
Less serious side effects may include:
diarrhea or constipation;
headache;
dizziness; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
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.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
digoxin (Lanoxin);
steroids (prednisone and others);
ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran);
probenecid (Benemid);
amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi);
salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or
indomethacin (Indocin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with torsemide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.