TorsemideIV - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Torsemide images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Torsemide

Uses
This medication is known as a diuretic (the same kind of drug as a "water pill"). It helps your body get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make. Getting rid of extra water decreases the strain on your heart and blood vessels, thereby lowering high blood pressure and reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This effect can also improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling (edema). This injectable form of torsemide is used when the drug cannot be taken by mouth or when extra water must be removed quickly, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood mineral levels such as potassium, kidney and liver function tests, cholesterol level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.Have your blood pressure checked regularly while using this medication.
Discuss with your doctor how to monitor your own blood pressure.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and light.
Do not freeze.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: dry mouth, dizziness, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
Torsemide may be slowly injected over 2 minutes or given by continuous infusion (an IV).
Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present, do not use the liquid.It is best to use this medication early in the day (before 4-6 PM) to prevent having to wake up during the night to urinate.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time each day as directed.
It is important to continue using this medication even if you feel well.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.If you are giving yourself injections at home, learn how to prepare and inject this medication properly.
Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse any questions you may have about how to give yourself torsemide.
Learn how to store and discard needles, medical supplies, and any unused medication safely.
Never reuse needles or syringes.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

This medication is expected to increase urination.Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This medication may lead the loss of too much body water and minerals (including potassium), causing dehydration.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps/weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea/vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, decreased sexual ability.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bleeding/bruising, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using torsemide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa medications; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (inability to make urine-anuria).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., sodium, potassium), gout, lupus.If you have diabetes, torsemide may infrequently make it harder to control your blood sugar.
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with your doctor.This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood.
Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet.
Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision.
Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness or clear vision.
Limit alcoholic beverages.To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: cisapride.If you are currently using this medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting torsemide.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other drugs that can affect hearing/balance (e.g., ethacrynic acid, aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, cisplatin, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, ginseng, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin), probenecid, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or cause swelling (edema).
Ask your pharmacist about using these products safely.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.