TORSEMIDE
About
TORSEMIDE is used to treat high blood pressure and oedema (a build-up of fluid in the body). Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery wall increases. Oedema may occur in case of high blood pressure, where fluids of the body get trapped in the tissues of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs, leading to swelling.
TORSEMIDE contains Torsemide, which works by increasing the amount of urine that is passed out from the kidneys. It effectively reduces excess fluid levels in the body and treats oedema (swelling) associated with heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Thus, it helps to lower high blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke.
You can take TORSEMIDE with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience dehydration, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, or weak muscles. Most of these side effects of TORSEMIDE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not stop taking TORSEMIDE on your own, as it may cause a rise in blood pressure and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from kidney, liver, or heart disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please tell your doctor so that the dosage of TORSEMIDE can be prescribed accordingly. Please tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or have any other medical conditions.
Uses of TORSEMIDE
Medicinal Benefits
TORSEMIDE belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and oedema (a build-up of fluid in the body). TORSEMIDE contains Torsemide, which works by increasing the amount of urine that is passed out from the kidneys. It effectively reduces excess fluid levels in the body and treats oedema (swelling) associated with heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Thus, it helps to lower high blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of TORSEMIDE
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Dehydration
Headache
Feeling confused or dizzy
Muscle cramps or weak muscles
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting
A fast or irregular heartbeat
Reduced levels of potassium, and magnesium in your blood.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take TORSEMIDE if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg), have a history of heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart), and aortic stenosis (heart valve problem). If you experience sudden wheeziness, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body), inform your doctor immediately. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines to treat irregular heartbeats (amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, and sotalol), medicines that can change the level of potassium in your blood, such as potassium supplements, steroids, or other diuretics; medicines used to treat mental health problems (amisulpride, lithium, pimozide, risperidone), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen), medicines that treat high blood pressure, and medicine used to treat ulcers (sucralfate).
Drug-Food Interaction: You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with TORSEMIDE to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform the doctor if you have low blood pressure (hypotension), renal dysfunction (kidney diseases), cirrhosis (liver disease), diabetes(increased blood sugar levels), hyperuricemia (gout), low serum potassium (hypokalemia), patients with nil urine output (anuria), and other cardiovascular diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol should be avoided during treatment with TORSEMIDE as it can cause undesirable side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionTORSEMIDE should not be used in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your doctor will give this medicine only if the benefits overweigh the potential risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionTORSEMIDE should not be used in nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will give this medicine only if the benefits overweigh the potential risks.
Driving
unsafeIt is not recommended to drive vehicles after taking TORSEMIDE as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Liver
cautionTORSEMIDE should be used with caution if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions as sudeen changes in electrolyte imbalance can cause hepatic coma.
Kidney
cautionTORSEMIDE to be used with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Dose adjustment may be done by your physician depending upon your current kidney conditions.
Children
unsafeTORSEMIDE is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy for this medicine is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Maintain your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
Doing regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week can help lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
Prefer eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day. This helps relieve the swelling of the body.
Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can cause undesirable side effects.
Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil can help in lowering your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition wherein the blood pressure increases resulting in decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can lead to angina (chest pain) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Ideal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm of Hg.
Oedema: is a condition in which there is an excess of fluid in certain parts of the body (mainly ankles, feet, and legs), causing inflammation. It can occur due to various reasons like sitting for long periods or being overweight.
FAQs
TORSEMIDE belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and oedema (a build-up of fluid in the body).
TORSEMIDE works by increasing the amount of urine that is passed out from the kidneys.
TORSEMIDE can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Conditions such as high blood pressure are life-long conditions and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
The side effects of TORSEMIDE include headache, dehydration, low blood pressure, muscle cramps or weak muscles, fast or irregular heartbeat, and nausea or vomiting. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Take TORSEMIDE as advised by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow it as whole with water. Do not break, crush or chew it. Take it preferably at the same time every day. It is essential to stay on a diet and exercise program as recommended by your doctor.
No, do not stop taking TORSEMIDE without consulting your doctor as discontinuing suddenly can lead to a sudden increase in your blood glucose levels. Therefore, take TORSEMIDE as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor.
Yes, TORSEMIDE can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines. However, in addition to medications, proper diet and exercise should be followed.
TORSEMIDE alone does not cause very low blood sugar. However, if TORSEMIDE is taken along with other diabetes medications such as insulin, meglitinides or sulfonylurea, look out for hypoglycaemia.
Your doctor may recommend you to take HbA1c test for every 3 months. This test is done to evaluate your blood sugar control during the last 2-3 months.
Taking furosemide with TORSEMIDE may result in excessive fluid loss and you may experience dizziness upon standing, unusual thirst, fainting or loss of consciousness and lightheadedness. Therefore, you are recommended to consult your doctor before taking TORSEMIDE with furosemide or other medicines.
