torasemide at a glance
Medicine class
Loop diuretic, sometimes called a water tablet.
Expected effect
It increases urine production by reducing salt and water reabsorption in the kidney.
Administration
Swallow the tablet with fluid without chewing; morning administration is convenient.
Important monitoring
Fluid status, electrolytes, kidney function, glucose and uric acid may need checking.
What is torasemide used for?
The selected product is licensed to treat oedema caused by:
Congestive heart failure
Liver disease
Pulmonary disease
Kidney disease
How does torasemide work?
Torasemide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. More salt remains in the urine and water follows it, increasing urine production and reducing excess fluid in tissues.
torasemide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg
How to take torasemide
Follow the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with some fluid without chewing; taking it in the morning is convenient because it increases urine production.
Do not change how you take torasemide without speaking to the prescriber.
Do not drive or operate machinery if it causes dizziness.
torasemide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Fluid or electrolyte imbalance
- Headache or dizziness
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation
- Muscle spasms
- Tiredness or weakness
Get urgent medical advice
- Blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Fainting, collapse, marked confusion or severe dizziness
- Inability to pass urine
- Sudden significant changes in vision or hearing
- Symptoms of severe fluid or electrolyte loss
torasemide in pregnancy
Information about torasemide in pregnancy is limited. The product information says it should be used only when the woman’s clinical condition requires it. Diuretics may occasionally be necessary for serious fluid overload; specialist review and additional maternal or fetal monitoring may be appropriate.
torasemide while breastfeeding
It is not known how much torasemide enters human milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. Loop diuretics may also reduce milk production. The benefits of treatment and breastfeeding should be assessed with the prescriber, considering the infant’s age, health and feeding pattern.
torasemide interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers
The combination can cause severe low blood pressure and may increase renal impairment risk.
Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines
Blood-pressure reduction may be increased.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen
They may reduce the diuretic effect and increase the risk of acute kidney injury.
Common questions about torasemide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is torasemide a water tablet?
Yes. Torasemide is a loop diuretic that increases the removal of salt and water through urine.
What is torasemide licensed to treat?
The selected product is licensed for oedema associated with congestive heart failure and liver, lung or kidney disease.
How quickly does torasemide start working?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.