Torsemide (Injection)

Introduction

Torsemide (TORE-se-mide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) caused by congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. This medicine also treats high blood pressure alone or together with other blood pressure medicines. 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 or other medicines called sulfonylureas (such as tolazamide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, glipizide, glyburide, Tolinase®, Diabinase®, Tol-Tab®, Glucophage®, Glucotrol®, Glucovance®). You should not use this medicine if you cannot urinate because of kidney failure or other problems.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• 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.

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 using digoxin (Lanoxin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), probenecid (Benemid®), or lithium (Lithane®, Lithobid®, Eskalith®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using any other diuretic (such as ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Edecrin®, Lasix®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Aleve®, Motrin®), or medicine to treat an infection (such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, Amikin®, Garamycin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or have had low potassium levels in your blood.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any sulfa drugs (sulfonamides).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. 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.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Hearing loss, or ringing in your ears.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

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

• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach.
• Urinating more than usual.