Demadex (Torsemide)
Demadex (Torsemide) Dosage and Side Effects
DEMADEX is used to treat high blood pressure and swelling caused by heart, kidney, or liver disease.
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking DEMADEX, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Fluid in your abdomen
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Hearing problems
- Problems with urination
- High blood uric acid levels
- A blood disorder
- Kidney disease
- Lupus
- A heart attack or heart disease
- Liver disease
- Allergies to medications
Taking too much DEMADEX can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Be sure to take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes.
Your doctor will want to monitor your condition while you're taking this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor's office and laboratory.
Let your doctor know if you're dehydrated, or easily get dehydrated, before taking DEMADEX. This medicine can raise your risk of becoming dehydrated, so you may need to avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to very hot weather.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience:
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Muscle cramps or weakness
The drug may affect your blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood glucose carefully, and talk to your healthcare provider before changing any doses of your diabetes medicines.
DEMADEX shouldn't be given to children because safety and effectiveness hasn't been confirmed in this age group.
Older adults may be more sensitive to certain side effects of DEMADEX. Talk to your doctor about this issue if you're over 65.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider you're taking DEMADEX before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Your doctor may tell you to take a potassium supplement while you're taking DEMADEX. Follow these instructions carefully.
DEMADEX may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning booths. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing while outdoors.
Continue to take DEMADEX even if you feel well. Don't stop taking the medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy and DEMADEX
DEMADEX isn't believed to harm a fetus. Still, talk to your doctor before taking this drug if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It's not known whether the medicine passes into breast milk or could hurt a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you're breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up
- Nausea
- Excessive urination
- Constipation
- Coughing
- Headache
- Nasal inflammation
Serious Side Effects of DEMADEX
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the DEMADEX Warnings section above, or any of the following serious side effects:
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Signs of an allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Diarrhea
- Fever, chills, or a sore throat that doesn't go away
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Loss of appetite or rapid weight loss
- Red, swollen, or blistered skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
- Restlessness
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Rectal bleeding
- Vomiting blood
Interactions with this medication
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Amikin (amikacin), Garamycin (gentamicin), or Bethkis or Tobi (tobramycin)
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen)
- Corticosteroids, such as Celestone (betamethasone), Entocort (budesonide), Cortone (cortisone), Decadron, Dexpak, or Dexasone (dexamethasone), Florinef (fludrocortisone), Cortef or Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone), Medrol (methylprednisolone), Prelone (prednisolone), Rayos (prednisone), or Aristocort or Azmacort (triamcinolone)
- ACTH or H.P. Acthar Gel (corticotropin)
- Lanoxin (digoxin)
- Edecrin (ethacrynic acid)
- Indocin (indomethacin)
- Lithobid or Eskalith (lithium)
- Probalan (probenecid)
- Medications for high blood pressure or pain
Also, if you're taking Questran (cholestyramine), take it four hours before, or one hour after, taking DEMADEX.
DEMADEX and Other Interactions
Licorice and Korean (Asian) ginseng may interfere with how DEMADEX works in your body. Avoid these products while taking DEMADEX.
DEMADEX may cause dizziness, fainting, or drowsiness. Don't drive or perform activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
DEMADEX and Alcohol
Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of DEMADEX. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Proper Use of this medication
DEMADEX comes as an oral tablet. It's usually taken once a day, with or without food.
Try to take DEMADEX around the same time each day.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less DEMADEX than your doctor recommends.
DEMADEX may cause you to urinate a greater amount, or more often, when you first start taking it. You may want to take it before 6 p.m. so that your nighttime sleep isn't disturbed.
DEMADEX Overdose
Symptoms of a DEMADEX overdose may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive urination, followed by a decrease in the amount of urine
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle weakness or cramps
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose of DEMADEX
If you miss a dose of DEMADEX, take it as soon as you remember.
But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular medication schedule.
Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.