Generic medicine

Torasemide: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Torasemide is a loop diuretic that is FDA-approved (established indications) for the following uses: Edema associated with congestive heart failure - to reduce fluid overload.

Forms:Tablet

About Torasemide

Indications of Torasemide

Torasemide is a loop diuretic that is FDA-approved (established indications) for the following uses:

  • Edema associated with congestive heart failure - to reduce fluid overload.
  • Edema associated with chronic renal (kidney) disease.
  • Edema associated with hepatic (liver) disease/cirrhosis - typically used together with an aldosterone antagonist or potassium-sparing diuretic.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure), alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, to reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events.

Torasemide is not approved for use in children; safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

Dosage & Administration of Torasemide

IndicationAdult Dose
Edema - Heart failureInitial 10-20 mg once daily orally or IV; may be doubled at intervals until desired diuretic response is achieved. Doses above 200 mg have not been adequately studied.
Edema - Chronic renal diseaseInitial 20 mg once daily; may be doubled at intervals as needed. Maximum studied dose is 200 mg.
Edema - Hepatic cirrhosisInitial 5-10 mg once daily, generally combined with an aldosterone antagonist or potassium-sparing diuretic; may be doubled at intervals. Doses above 40 mg have not been adequately studied in this population.
HypertensionInitial 5 mg once daily; may increase to 10 mg once daily if response is inadequate after 4-6 weeks; a second antihypertensive agent may be added if 10 mg is insufficient.

Torasemide can be taken with or without food, preferably in the morning to avoid nocturnal urination. If administered intravenously, it should be given slowly (over about 2 minutes) to reduce the risk of ototoxicity.

Pediatric dosing: safety and efficacy of Torasemide have not been established in patients under 18 years of age; it is not recommended for pediatric use.

Renal/hepatic adjustment: Torasemide is contraindicated in anuria. In hepatic cirrhosis, therapy should start at a lower dose (see table) with careful monitoring of fluid/electrolyte status to avoid precipitating hepatic encephalopathy (see Precautions).

Side Effects of Torasemide

Common side effects of Torasemide include increased urination, dizziness, headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, joint/muscle pain, and cough.

Less common but serious side effects include electrolyte disturbances (low potassium, low sodium, low magnesium), symptomatic hypotension, ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo - especially with rapid IV administration or in patients with renal impairment), hyperglycemia (worsening glucose control in diabetics), hyperuricemia (may precipitate gout), and rarely, blood dyscrasias or severe skin reactions. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden hearing changes, severe dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or signs of severe allergic reaction.

Contraindications of Torasemide

Torasemide is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to torasemide or to sulfonylureas (structurally related; potential cross-sensitivity).
  • Anuria (absence of urine formation).
  • Hepatic coma or precoma associated with severe electrolyte depletion.
  • Severe hypovolemia or dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Torasemide

What is Torasemide used for?

Torasemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) used to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, and to treat high blood pressure.

How should I take Torasemide?

Take Torasemide exactly as prescribed by your physician, usually once daily in the morning, with or without food. Do not stop or change the dose without consulting your doctor.

Who should not take Torasemide?

Torasemide should not be used by people who are anuric (produce no urine), are in hepatic coma or precoma with severe electrolyte depletion, are severely dehydrated, or are hypersensitive to torasemide or to sulfonylurea medicines.

What are the common side effects of Torasemide?

Common side effects of Torasemide include increased urination, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle or joint pain. Serious but less common effects include low potassium or sodium levels, low blood pressure, and hearing changes (ringing in the ears or hearing loss) - contact your doctor promptly if these occur.

Can Torasemide be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Torasemide should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, since animal studies suggest possible risk to the fetus at high doses and there is limited human data; a physician should be consulted. It is not known if it passes into breast milk, so it should be used while breastfeeding only under medical supervision.

What should I do if I take too much Torasemide?

An overdose of Torasemide can cause excessive fluid loss, dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalance. Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles