Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TORSEMIDE - ORAL

(TOR-seh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Demadex

WARNING: This drug is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, or become confused while taking this medication.

Uses

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called diuretics ("water pills") that decrease the amount of water retained in the body by increasing urination. Diuretics are used to treat edema (fluid retention and swelling especially of the hands and feet) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

How To Use

Taken by mouth usually once a day with or without meals. Do not stop taking this medication or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. If this medication is used in the late afternoon or evening, you may need to get up during the night to urinate. Consult with your doctor regarding your dosing schedule.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to it. To lessen these effects when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Stomach upset, nervousness, headache, and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome notify your doctor. This medication increases urination. Expect this effect. Inform your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, pain, change in heart rate, nausea or vomiting while taking this medication. It may be a sign of low blood potassium. Also notify your doctor if you notice: a sore throat, extreme thirst, ringing in the ears, diminished hearing, rash. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: kidney problems, unusual decrease in urine output, liver disease, drug allergies. This drug can reduce the potassium levels in your blood. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you use, especially of: lithium, digoxin, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), NSAIDs (e.g., indomethacin, naproxen), aspirin, probenecid, ginseng, other high blood pressure drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth, dizziness, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, weakness, and weak or irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).