Torsemide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2022.

In Summary

Commonly reported side effects of torsemide include: polyuria. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to torsemide: oral tablet

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, torsemide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking torsemide:

Less common

Chest pain
decreased urination
diarrhea
dry mouth
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
seizures
swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Black, tarry stools
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a suddenly sitting or lying position
ringing or buzzing in the ears or any hearing loss
skin rash

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chills
constipation
darkened urine
decrease in frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
fever
indigestion
itching
joint or muscle pain
painful or difficult urination
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pale skin
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
unusual bleeding or bruising
yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking torsemide:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision
coma
confusion
decreased urine output
dizziness
drowsiness
fainting
fast heartbeat
headache
increase in heart rate
irritability
lightheadedness
rapid breathing
sunken eyes
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness
weak pulse
wrinkled skin

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of torsemide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Increase in urination

Less common

Acid or sour stomach
belching
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty in moving
heartburn
increased cough
lack or loss of strength
muscle pain or stiffness
nervousness
pain in the joints
sneezing
sore throat
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
stuffy or runny nose
swollen joints
trouble sleeping

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to torsemide: injectable solution, oral tablet

General

The most common adverse reactions were headache and excessive urination.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Edema

Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hypovolemia, excessive thirst, gout, calcium excretion increased, serum calcium increased, serum calcium decreased, magnesium excretion increased, serum magnesium increased, serum magnesium decreased, BUN increased, creatinine increased, uric acid increased, serum glucose increased, total plasma cholesterol increased, plasma triglycerides increased^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, sore throat

Frequency not reported: Vomiting, esophageal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, rectal bleeding, dry mouth

Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness

Frequency not reported: Syncope, tinnitus, hearing loss, limb paresthesia^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chest pain

Frequency not reported: Weakness, digitalis intoxication^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, myalgia

Frequency not reported: Arthritis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis, cough increased^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): ECG abnormality

Frequency not reported: Atrial fibrillation, hypotension, shunt thrombosis, ventricular tachycardia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Excessive urination

Frequency not reported: Impotence^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Red blood cells decreased, white blood cells decreased, platelets decreased, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased, erythrocyte count decreased, white blood cell count increased, platelet count increased, serum alkaline phosphatase increased

Postmarketing reports: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]