Torsemide

Do NOT use Torsemide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Torsemide or to sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide)
• you are unable to urinate.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Torsemide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing impairment, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, had a heart attack, are dehydrated, or have liver disease or heart failure.

Some medicines may interact with Torsemide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin) or cisplatin because the risk of temporary or permanent hearing loss may be increased
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) or probenecid because they may decrease Torsemide's effectiveness
• Chloral hydrate, digitalis (eg, digoxin), lithium, or suramin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Torsemide.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Torsemide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Torsemide may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Torsemide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Torsemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Tell you doctor or dentist that you take Torsemide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Torsemide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Torsemide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.
• Torsemide is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.
• Diabetic patients - Torsemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Weight should be monitored while taking this medication.
• Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are presently taking ketanserin.
• Lab tests, including kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Torsemide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Torsemide is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you plan on becoming pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Torsemide while you are pregnant. It is not known if Torsemide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Torsemide, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; excessive urination; headache; increased cough; nasal inflammation; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; diarrhea; dry mouth or unusual thirst; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hearing loss or ringing in the ears; loss of appetite; muscle pain or cramps; rapid or irregular heartbeat; rectal bleeding; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; restlessness; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.