Torasemide

Torsemide or torasemide is a drug used to treat fluid buildup (edema) due to heart failure or cirrhosis. This drug is also used to lower blood pressure in hypertension.

Torasemide belongs to the class of loop diuretics. These drugs work by inhibiting the re-absorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys. That way, more fluids and sodium can be excreted through the urine. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.

Trademarks of torasemide: -

What is Torasemide

Warning Before Using Torasemide

Follow the doctor's recommendations and suggestions while undergoing treatment with torasemide. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Torasemide should not be used in patients who are allergic to it or to sulfa drugs .
• Tell your doctor if you experience a condition where you cannot urinate due to a blockage in the urinary tract. Torasemide should not be used by patients with these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have or currently have diabetes , gout, liver disease, heart disease, electrolyte disturbances , or kidney disease .
• Tell your doctor that you are taking torasemide if you plan to have an X-Ray or CT scan with injection of contrast fluid.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor that you are using torasemide if you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while on torasemide, because this drug can cause dizziness .
• See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using torasemide.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Torasemide

The dose of torasemide given by the doctor can be different, depending on the form of the drug and the patient's condition. The following is a general dose of torasemide:

Drug form: Tablets

Condition: Edema

• Adult: 5 mg, once a day. Dosage can be increased to 20 mg, once a day. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.

Condition: Edema due to cirrhosis

• Adult: 5–10 mg once daily w/ potassium-sparing diuretic or aldosterone antagonist. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.

Condition: Hypertension

• Adult: 2.5–5 mg, once daily.

Drug form: Injection

Condition: Edema

• Adult: 10–20 mg per day. The dose is given by injection into a vein (intravenously/IV) over 2 minutes. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.

How to Use Torasemide Properly

Torasemide in injection form will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Always follow the doctor's recommendations while undergoing treatment with this drug.

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging before taking torasemide in tablet form. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor.

Torasemide tablets can be taken before or after meals. Take torasemide regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. Do not stop taking the drug, unless ordered by a doctor.

Torasemide may cause you to urinate more frequently. So, it's best to consume this drug in the morning or 4 hours before bedtime.

If you forget to take torasemide, take the drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

One of the side effects that can occur after using torasemide is dizziness. Therefore, do not rush to get up if you are taking torasemide while sitting.

So that blood pressure can be better controlled, apart from taking blood pressure-lowering drugs, you are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example by limiting salt and fat consumption, doing regular exercise, and maintaining an ideal body weight.

You may need to have more frequent blood tests while on torasemide. You also need to regularly check with your doctor so that the development of the condition and the effectiveness of the drug can always be monitored.

Store torasemide tablets in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep this drug out of reach of children.

Interactions of Torasemide with Other Drugs

Some drug interactions that can occur if torasemide is used with certain drugs are:

• Decreased therapeutic effect of torasemide when used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs )
• Increased risk of developing hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
• Increased risk of developing severe hypokalemia when used with amphotericin B , carbenoxolone or corticosteroids
• Increased risk of poisoning with lithium drugs or salicylate drugs
• Increased risk of ear and kidney damage when used with aminoglycoside class antibiotics , such as gentamicin

Torasemide Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that can arise after using torasemide are:

• Cough
• Dizziness or headache
• Sore throat
• The frequency of urination increases
• Constipation or diarrhea

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience serious side effects, such as:

• Dizziness so severe that you feel like passing out
• Hearing loss, which can be characterized by symptoms such as ringing in the ears ( tinnitus ), decreased hearing ability, and sudden deafness
• Dehydration or electrolyte disturbances, which may be characterized by symptoms such as muscle cramps, unusual weakness or tiredness, severe dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth , nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate , or fainting
• Impaired kidney function , which can be characterized by symptoms of infrequent urination or very small amounts of urine