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Torsemide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on July 3, 2020.

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
  • convulsions
  • 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
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • 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

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
  • indigestion
  • joint pain
  • lack or loss of strength
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • nervousness
  • pain in the joints
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • stuffy nose
  • swollen joints
  • trouble sleeping

Managing side effects (general information)

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]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Rash, angioedema

Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Visual disturbance[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Demedex (torsemide)." Boehringer Mannheim, Gaithersburg, MD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer