Demadex

Generic name: Torsemide
Brand names: Demadex

Why is Demadex prescribed?

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Demadex is a diuretic drug. It flushes excess water from the body by promoting the production of urine.

Demadex is prescribed to reduce the water retention and swelling that often accompany congestive heart failure, chronic kidney failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. It is also prescribed for high blood pressure, either alone or with other medications.

Most important fact about Demadex

Demadex has been known to cause dehydration, chemical imbalances in the body, and a reduction in the volume of blood. Warning signs of these problems include dryness of the mouth, thirst, weakness, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain or fatigue, low blood pressure, diminished urination, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms develop, see your doctor immediately. You'll probably need to stop taking Demadex temporarily, then resume at a lower dose.

How should you take Demadex?

Demadex tablets can be taken with or without a meal. The diuretic effect begins within an hour and peaks during the first or second hour. Take Demadex exactly as prescribed.

If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Demadex.

More common side effects may include:
Excessive urination, dizziness, headache

Why should Demadex not be prescribed?

You'll need to avoid Demadex if it gives you an allergic reaction. Avoid it, too, if you're allergic to sulfonylurea drugs such as the diabetes medications chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide. Do not take Demadex if you are unable to urinate.

Special warnings about Demadex

If you have cirrhosis, the doctor will use Demadex with great caution. The fluid and chemical imbalance that the drug can cause could send you into a coma.

Demadex may cause ringing in the ears and potential hearing loss, especially when large doses are given quickly.

In addition to potential imbalances in potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen, Demadex is known to cause a slight increase in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Demadex

If Demadex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Demadex with the following:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as tobramycin and streptomycin
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen
Cholestyramine
Ethacrynic acid
Lithium
Probenecid

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Demadex during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether Demadex appears in breast milk. Use Demadex with caution if you are nursing a baby.

Recommended dosage for Demadex

ADULTS

Congestive Heart Failure

The usual starting dose is 10 or 20 milligrams once a day. If this proves inadequate, the doctor will keep doubling the dose until the drug does its work. Doses of more than 200 milligrams are not recommended.

Chronic Kidney Failure

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams once a day. If this proves inadequate, the doctor will keep doubling the dose until the drug does its work. Doses of more than 200 milligrams are not recommended.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day with other medications. If this proves inadequate, the doctor will keep doubling the dose until the drug does its work. Doses of more than 40 milligrams are not recommended.

High Blood Pressure

The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day. If your blood pressure is still too high after 4 to 6 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 10 milligrams once a day. If that isn't sufficient, the doctor will add another drug to the regimen.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Overdosage

An overdose of Demadex is likely to cause dehydration, chemical imbalances in the body, and a reduction in the volume of blood. Warning signs are those listed under "Most important fact about Demadex." If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.