Torasemide tablets

About torasemide

Torasemide belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics. A diuretic is a medicine which increases the amount of urine that you pass out from your kidneys. They are often referred to as 'water tablets'. Diuretics are a common treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension). They are also used to clear excess fluid from your body in conditions where your body retains more than it needs. This is called oedema. It is commonly caused by heart failure.

Before taking torasemide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking torasemide it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have kidney problems, have any difficulties passing urine, or you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated).

• If you have prostate or liver problems.

• If you know you have an unusual heart rhythm.

• If you have gout or diabetes, as these conditions may be made worse by diuretics.

• If you have been told you have low sodium or potassium levels in your blood.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take torasemide tablets

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about torasemide and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is usual to be prescribed one dose to take each day and you will be asked to take it preferably in the morning. There are several strengths of torasemide tablet. The usual dose for high blood pressure (hypertension) is 2.5 mg daily. It will be more than this if you are taking it for fluid retention. Your dose and the strength of your tablets will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.

• Although torasemide is preferably taken in the morning, you can take it at a time to suit you. For example, if you want to go out in the morning and don't want to have to find a toilet, you can delay taking the tablet until later. However, it is best if you take it no later than mid-afternoon. This is because you will find you need to go to the toilet a couple of times within a few hours of taking the tablet and this will disturb your sleep if you take it late in the day.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take torasemide before or after your meals.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, you should skip the forgotten dose and continue as usual the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. The balance of salts in your blood may be upset by torasemide. Your doctor may want you to have a blood test from time to time to check for this.

• Diuretics like torasemide help you to lose water. Occasionally you may lose too much and become lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). Let your doctor know if you feel constantly thirsty, your mouth is dry, or your skin looks and feels dry.

• If you have been prescribed torasemide for high blood pressure (hypertension), your treatment is likely to be long-term. Although many people with high blood pressure do not feel unwell, if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm your heart and damage your blood vessels. This damage may later result in a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems, so it is important that you continue to take these tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of this. You may also be given some lifestyle or dietary advice by your doctor, such as stopping smoking, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and taking some regular exercise. Following this advice will also help to reduce the risk of damage to your heart and blood vessels.

• Drinking alcohol while you are on torasemide may make you feel dizzy. Ask for your doctor's advice about whether you should avoid alcohol.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

• If you have diabetes, torasemide may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your blood sugar regularly and speak with your doctor if you notice any significant changes.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can torasemide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below lists some of the most common ones associated with torasemide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve over the first few days of taking a new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store torasemide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines