Torsemide
About
Torsemide belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics (which increase urine production). It is primarily in the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery wall is high. The higher this blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. Torsemide is also used along with other anti-hypersensitive medicines in the treatment of hypertension. It is also used to treat oedema (a build-up of fluid in the body) occurring due to heart failure and chronic renal failure (impaired kidney function resulting in kidney damage). Oedema may occur in high blood pressure where fluids of the body get trapped in the tissues of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs, leading to its swelling.
Torsemide consists of a drug called torsemide. It works by increasing the amount of urine that is passed out from the kidneys. It effectively reduces excess fluids in the body and treats oedema (swelling) associated with heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease. This also reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Thus, it helps to lower high blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke.
You can take Torsemide with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you about the dose based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as dehydration, headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, or weak muscles. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and subside over time. However, consult your doctor if the side effects are persistent for a longer duration.
Torsemide should be avoided if you are allergic to this medicine of any of its components. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any kidney or liver, or heart disease. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before taking Torsemide. Torsemide may cause dizziness, and vision problems, hence avoid driving vehicles or operating machine that require mental concentration. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Torsemide as it could lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness and liver damage.
Uses of Torsemide
Medicinal Benefits
When Torsemide is taken, the blood vessels in your body will be relaxed and it will help in lowering the blood pressure. Also, it relaxes the blood vessels and helps to improve blood flow. It helps in losing out excess fluids from the body by increasing the production of urine which helps reduce the workload on the heart and makes it more efficient for pumping blood throughout the body. Thus, it helps to lower high blood pressure, also relieves oedema and helps you carry out your daily activities more efficiently.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Torsemide
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Feeling confused or dizzy
- Muscle cramps or weak muscles
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced levels of potassium, and magnesium in your blood.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Torsemide should not be given to the people allergic to it or any other medicine in the past. It is also not recommended in people who have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg), had history of heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart), and aortic stenosis (heart valve problem). Apart from this, if you experience sudden wheeziness, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body), inform your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Torsemide may interact with medicines to treat irregular heartbeats (e.g. amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, and sotalol), medicines that can change the level of potassium in your blood, such as potassium supplements, steroids, or other diuretics, medicines used to treat mental health problems(e.g. amisulpride, lithium, pimozide, risperidone), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g. diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen), medicines that treat high blood pressure, and medicine used to treat ulcers called sucralfate. If you are on any of the above medication, speak with your doctor.
Drug-Food Interaction: You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Torsemide to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Torsemide should not be given to people with low blood pressure (hypotension), renal dysfunction (kidney diseases), cirrhosis (liver disease), diabetes(increased blood sugar levels), hyperuricemia (gout), low serum potassium (hypokalemia), patients with nil urine output (anuria), and other cardiovascular diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol should be avoided during treatment with Torsemide as it can cause undesirable side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionTorsemide should not be used in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your doctor will give this medicine only if the benefits overweigh the potential risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionTorsemide should not be used in nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will give this medicine only if the benefits overweigh the potential risks.
Driving
unsafeIt is not recommended to drive vehicles after taking Torsemide as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Liver
cautionTorsemide should be used with caution if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions as sudeen changes in electrolyte imbalance can cause hepatic coma.
Kidney
cautionTorsemide to be used with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Dose adjustment may be done by your physician depending upon your current kidney conditions.
Children
unsafeTorsemide is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy for this medicine is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
- Doing regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week can help lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
- Prefer eating diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day. This helps relieve the swelling of the body.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it can cause undesirable side effects.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation then immediately contact your doctor.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil can help in lowering your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition wherein the blood pressure increases resulting in decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can lead to angina (chest pain) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Ideal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm of Hg.
Oedema: is a condition in which there is an excess of fluid in certain parts of the body (mainly ankles, feet, and legs), causing inflammation. It can occur due to various reasons like sitting for long periods or being overweight.
FAQs
It is a medical term for fluid retention. Due to oedema, the affected area starts swelling up. If it does not subside, please consult your doctor immediately.
A good rule is to drink It is good to drink enough fluids so that you're not thirsty for long periods. fluid so that you're not thirsty for long periods.
There's no evidence that Torsemide reduces fertility in men or women. However, if you're a woman and you're trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor first.
No, the occurrence of gout due to Torsemide is very rare. However, it can cause an increase in the levels of uric acid.
Torsemide can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Conditions such as high blood pressure are life-long conditions and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend discontinuing it.
Sometimes, using Torsemide continuously for a long time can cause hypotension (decreased blood pressure). Symptoms may include lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness, and headache.
