Torsemide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 22, 2024

Warnings

Torsemide (Soaanz) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Torsemide can cause or worsen health problems in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for edema if you are at a high risk of complications from this medication.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AND WORSENING RENAL FUNCTION: Torsemide helps the kidneys remove excess fluid from the body. Sometimes, it can cause dehydration, a reduction in blood volume, and worsening kidney function. People with inadequate fluid intake and those who are taking other medications that can also cause kidney injury or lower blood pressure are at an increased risk of this complication. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking this medication. Your provider may adjust the dose. Call your doctor right away if you have decreased urination or dark-colored urine. Doctors usually monitor patients taking torsemide for kidney health.
METABOLIC AND ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES: The diuretic effects of torsemide include increased renal clearance of extra salt and water from the body. Therefore, taking this medication can lead to a loss of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. The resultant electrolyte imbalance can cause health complications. Torsemide can also lead to increased blood glucose levels. Taking this medication can cause high uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Your healthcare provider will order blood tests periodically to detect renal impairment and keep an eye on electrolyte levels. Keep all your laboratory appointments while taking this medication.
EAR PROBLEMS: Loop diuretics, including torsemide, can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss (this is usually temporary). Risk factors include taking high doses of torsemide, severe renal impairment, and low protein levels.

Precautions Before Starting Torsemide (Soaanz)

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to torsemide, any of the active or inactive ingredients in torsemide tablets, other diuretics, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor a complete list of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Give your healthcare provider a complete medical history. Torsemide may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as anuria (lack of urine production) and hepatic coma. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of Torsemide (Soaanz)

Keep all your medical and laboratory appointments while taking torsemide. Your healthcare professional may order certain blood tests to check for electrolyte disturbances, volume status, blood sugar levels, and uric acid levels.

If you are taking the cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine (Questran), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after your torsemide dose.

Torsemide can lower blood pressure and may make you dizzy and lightheaded. Get out of bed slowly by placing your feet on the ground for a few minutes before standing up to prevent falls. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because alcohol can worsen these side effects.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on torsemide.

Tell all your healthcare providers you are on torsemide, especially before any surgery, including dental procedures.

Torsemide (Soaanz) Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of torsemide with certain other drugs can affect how the medications work. Possible drug interactions between torsemide and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. The following medications can have drug interactions with torsemide:

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and indomethacin (Indocin)
Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin (Garamycin), amikacin, and tobramycin (Tobi, Bethkis)
Corticotropin (ACTH, Acthar Gel, H.P.)
Corticosteroids such as prednisolone (Prelone), prednisone (Rayos), cortisone (Cortone), budesonide (Entocort), betamethasone (Celestone), dexamethasone (Dexpak, Decadron, Dexasone), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), fludrocortisone (Floriner), methylprednisolone (Meprolone, Medrol), and triamcinolone (Aristocort, Azmacort)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Lithium (Lithobid)
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
Medications used to treat high blood pressure
Pain medications
Gout medications such as probenecid (Probenemid, Probalan)

The above list may not describe all possible interactions of torsemide. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medicines.

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