How Torasemide works

Torasemide is a loop diuretic. It acts on kidneys and removes excess water and certain electrolytes from the body through urine.

Side Effects

Dehydration, Decreased potassium level in blood, Decreased magnesium level in blood, Increased blood uric acid, Hearing loss

Usage

Torasemide is used in the treatment of oedema and high blood pressure.
It treats oedema (fluid overload) associated with heart, liver, kidney or lung disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can Torasemide cause gout?

Yes, Torasemide can cause gout. It increases the blood uric acid levels by increasing its absorption from the kidneys which can cause a gout attack. Inform your doctor if you have hyperuricemia or a history of gout before taking this medicine. Use of Torasemide is contraindicated in patients with gout.

Q. Does Torasemide raise your blood sugar levels?

Torasemide can increase your blood sugar levels. This can worsen your diabetes control and affect your blood and urine sugar tests. Inform your doctor if you are a diabetic before taking Torasemide.

Q. Can I use Torasemide with spironolactone?

Torasemide can be taken with spironolactone. When used together the diuretic effect gets added along with maintaining the blood potassium levels. Torasemide is a loop diuretic and causes loss of potassium from your body while Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic which prevents the loss of potassium.

Q. Does Torasemide cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Torasemide. Other commonly seen gastrointestinal side effects are the loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Q. Can I take Torasemide with allopurinol?

Torasemide can be taken with allopurinol. Torasemide can increase uric acid levels and allopurinol lowers uric acid levels. So, allopurinol is given to decrease the hyperuricemic effects of Torasemide. However, allopurinol is not safe in patients with renal failure, so may need to be replaced with another similar medicine like febuxostat.

Q. Can I use Torasemide in sulfa allergy?

No, Torasemide should not be used if you have a history of sulfa allergy or to sulfonamide group of anti-diabetic drugs.

Q. Is Torasemide used for weight loss?

Torasemide can decrease weight by removing excessive water from your body. However, it is not used for weight loss in obese patients as it does not affect body fat.

Q. Does Torasemide cause electrolyte abnormalities?

Yes, Torasemide can cause electrolyte abnormalities as it works by removing water and salt from your body. It can decrease the blood potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium levels and increase blood sugar and uric acid levels. It is very important to get electrolytes and kidney function tests done on a regular basis while you are taking this medicine.

Q. Is Torasemide safe to use?

Torasemide is a safe drug if used in prescribed dose and for prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Q. Does Torasemide cause hair loss?

Torasemide is not known to cause hair loss. Consult your doctor if you have hair loss while you are taking Torasemide.

Q. Can Torasemide cause kidney failure?

No, Torasemide does not cause kidney failure, rather it is used to remove extra fluid from the body (edema) which is caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Q. Can I take Torasemide with prednisone?

Torasemide can be taken with prednisone. However, when used together, they can lower blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) which can be severe, causing muscle pains or cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, or confusion. Inform your doctor if you have these symptoms. Take potassium supplements or foods rich in potassium like orange, lemon or other citrus fruit.

Q. Can I use Torasemide with metolazone?

Both Torasemide and metolazone are potassium-lowering diuretics. When given together, they can lower blood potassium level (hypokalemia) which can be severe, causing muscle pains or cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, or confusion. Inform your doctor if you have these symptoms. Take potassium supplements or foods rich in potassium like orange, lemon or other citrus fruit.

Q. Does Torasemide have any serious side effects?

Serious side effects reported with the use of Torasemide are atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, chest pain, diarrhea, digitalis intoxication, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hypotension, hypovolemia, shunt thrombosis, rash, rectal bleeding, and syncope.

Q. Is Torasemide useful in the treatment of heart failure?

Yes, Torasemide is useful in the treatment of heart failure. It works by removing excess water and salt from your body and decreases the workload on the heart and as well decreases the lung congestion. This helps in improving the function of the heart in these patients.

Q. Can Torasemide lower potassium levels?

Torasemide can cause dehydration and lower the levels of electrolytes like potassium in your body. You can take potassium supplements or diet rich in potassium (banana, spinach, coconut water etc.) while you are taking this medicine after consulting with your doctor.