Torsemide (By Mouth)

Torsemide (TORE-se-mide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Demadex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to torsemide, sulfa medicines, or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as Amaryl®, Glipizide®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glyburide®). You should not use this medicine if you have problems urinating.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using bepridil (Vascor®), blood thinners (Coumadin®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, or other diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®, Zestoretic®).
• There are many other drugs that can interact with torsemide. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or gout.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Hearing loss, or ringing in the ears
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
• Skin rash
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.