About Torsemide 10 mg Tablet
Torsemide 10 mg Tablet contains Torsemide 10 mg. Torsemide is a loop diuretic, often called a water tablet. It helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water from the body. It is used to reduce swelling (oedema) caused by heart, kidney or liver disease, and to treat high blood pressure. It is usually taken in the morning.
Uses of Torsemide 10 mg Tablet
- Swelling (oedema) due to heart failure
- Swelling due to kidney disease
- Swelling due to liver disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Benefits
In fluid build-up
It removes extra fluid, which reduces swelling of the legs and tummy and can ease breathlessness caused by fluid in the lungs.
In high blood pressure
Removing extra salt and water helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Side effects
Your doctor may check your blood salts (such as potassium) and kidney function from time to time.
Common
- Passing urine more often
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Thirst
- Tiredness
Get medical help if you notice
- Muscle cramps, weakness, confusion or an irregular heartbeat (possible low potassium or sodium) — contact your doctor
- Very dry mouth, extreme thirst, little urine or fainting (signs of dehydration) — contact your doctor
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss — contact your doctor
- Sudden painful, swollen joint (gout) — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day in the morning so you do not need to pass urine at night. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food.
How it works
It acts on part of the kidney called the loop of Henle and stops salt being taken back into the blood. Salt and water then pass out in the urine.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to dizziness and the drop in blood pressure, and can cause dehydration. Limit alcohol.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not known if it passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, especially at the start. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
It is often used in kidney disease, but must not be used if you are passing no urine at all. Your doctor will monitor you.
Liver Caution
In liver disease with fluid in the tummy, it is started with care, sometimes in hospital, because sudden fluid and salt shifts can be harmful.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day, but not late in the evening. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it in the morning to avoid getting up at night to pass urine.
- Weigh yourself regularly if your doctor asks; sudden weight gain may mean fluid build-up.
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying down.
- Tell your doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, as you may become dehydrated.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Pyridine-sulfonylurea
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular / diuretic
- Action class
- Loop diuretic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen | Can reduce its effect and harm the kidneys |
| Lithium | Lithium levels may rise, causing side effects |
| Digoxin | Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin side effects |
| Aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin) | Higher risk of hearing damage |
| Steroids and some asthma medicines | Can add to the loss of potassium |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Torsemide prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA torsemide labelling). Pharmacist review pending.