Torsemide
Torsemide (Demadex)
Torsemide
( TOR-seh-myd)
Pregnancy Category: B Demadex (Rx)

Classification: Loop diuretic

See Also: See also Diuretics, Loop .

Action/Kinetics: Onset, IV: Within 10 min; PO: within 60 min. Peak effect, IV: Within 60 min; PO: 60-120 min. Duration: 6-8 hr. t 1/2: 210 min. Metabolized by the liver and excreted through the urine. Food delays the time to peak effect by about 30 min, but the overall bioavailability and the diuretic activity are not affected.

Uses: Congestive heart failure, acute or chronic renal failure, hepatic cirrhosis, hypertension.

Contraindications: Lactation.

Special Concerns: Clients sensitive to sulfonamides may show allergic reactions to torsemide. Safety and efficacy in children have not been determined.

Side Effects: CNS: Headache, dizziness, asthenia, insomnia, nervousness, syncope. GI: Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, edema, GI hemorrhage rectal bleeding. CV: ECG abnormality, chest pain, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, ventricular tachycardia shunt thrombosis. Respiratory: Rhinitis, increase in cough. Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia. Miscellaneous: Sore throat, excessive urination, rash.

Laboratory Test Alterations: Hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hypovolemia.

How Supplied: Injection: 10 mg/mL; Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg

Dosage
?Tablets, IV Congestive heart failure.
Adults, initial: 10 or 20 mg once daily.
Chronic renal failure.
Adults, initial: 20 mg once daily.
Hepatic cirrhosis.
Adults, initial: 5 or 10 mg once daily given with an aldosterone antagonist or a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Hypertension.
Adults, initial: 5 mg once daily. If this dose does not lead to an adequate decrease in BP within 4-6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily. If the 10-mg dose is not adequate, an additional antihypertensive agent is added to the treatment regimen.