Torsemide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 9, 2024.

Applies to torsemide: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

This medicine may cause you to lose more potassium from your body than normal (hypokalemia). This is more likely to occur if you have liver disease (eg, cirrhosis), or if you are using this medicine together with steroids (cortisone-like medicines), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), large amounts of licorice, or laxatives for a long time. Tell your doctor if you become sick with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and drink fluids to prevent getting dehydrated. Check with your doctor right away if you have dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, or nausea or vomiting.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing. You may also have dizziness or ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor if you have a feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings or a sensation of spinning.

This medicine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

Common side effects of torsemide

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:

Serious side effects of torsemide

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:

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

For healthcare professionals

Applies to torsemide: injectable solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

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]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, angioedema
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Visual disturbance^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are the equivalent dosages of bumetanide, furosemide & torsemide?

Further information

Torsemide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer