DEMADEX is indicated for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, renal disease, or hepatic disease. Use of torsemide has been found to be effective for the treatment of edema associated with chronic renal failure. Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic disease has not been studied in adequate and well-controlled trials.
DEMADEX intravenous injection is indicated when a rapid onset of diuresis is desired or when oral administration is impractical.
DEMADEX is indicated for the treatment of hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
How should this medicine be used?
Torsemide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take torsemide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Torsemide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking torsemide,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to torsemide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin), indomethacin (Indocin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking torsemide, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking torsemide.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions. They may include a daily exercise program and a low-sodium or low-salt diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Frequent urination may last for up to 6 hours after a dose and should decrease after you take torsemide for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
muscle cramps
weakness
dizziness
faintness
fatigue
headache
confusion
thirst
upset stomach
vomiting
If you have either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rapid, excessive weight loss
vomiting blood