Generic
Torasemide
13 brands available in the market
At a glance
Torasemide belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics or water tablets. It is used to reduce swelling (edema) caused by too much water in the body in people who have heart failure, liver disease or kidney disease. This medicine is also used to treat high blood pressure.
Description
Torasemide is a sulfonylurea loop diuretic. It acts from within the lumen of the thick ascending portion of the loop of Henle, where it inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system. This results in increased urinary excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Edema
Therapeutic class
Loop diuretics
Pharmacological class
Loop Diuretic
Pharmacology
Torasemide inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system in the lumen of the thick ascending portion of the loop of Henle, resulting in decreased reabsorption of sodium and chloride. This increases urinary excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system, increasing urinary excretion.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Hypertension: 2.5-5 mg once daily; max 5 mg daily
- Congestive heart failure: 10-20 mg once daily; titrate upward as needed
- Hepatic cirrhosis edema: 5-10 mg once daily; max 40 mg daily
- Edema: 5 mg once daily; may increase to 20 mg once daily; max 40 mg/day
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Take in the morning with breakfast to avoid urinating at night
- Swallow whole
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Decreased blood pressure
- Upset stomach
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness; do not drive
- Monitor blood pressure
- Take potassium supplements or potassium-rich diet (banana, coconut water)
- Regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes required
- Caution in liver disease
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas
- Renal failure with anuria
- Hepatic coma and pre-coma
- Hypotension
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B, corticosteroids, carbenoxolone: increased risk of severe hypokalemia
- Lithium: increased risk of toxicity
- Aminoglycosides: increased potential for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
- High dose salicylates: increased risk of salicylate toxicity
- Digoxin: increased risk of toxicity
- NSAIDs: reduced diuretic effect
- Antihypertensives: increased risk of hypotension
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Torasemide; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally considered safe; animal studies show low or no adverse effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe; no dose adjustment recommended; avoid if unable to pass urine
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; dose adjustment may be needed
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Dehydration, hypovolemia, hypotension, hypokalemia.
Treatment: Fluid and electrolyte supplementation.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature less than 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and sunlight; keep out of reach of children.