Before taking torasemide

Before taking torasemide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you know you have hypokalaemia (a low level of potassium in blood) or hyponatraemia (a low level of sodium in blood).
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have prostate problems or are having difficulty passing urine.
• If you have gout or high levels of uric acid in your blood.
• If you know you have low blood pressure.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take torasemide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Torasemide will make you pass urine more often, so take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep.
• Try to take torasemide at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 p.m. in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking with your doctor first.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can torasemide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store torasemide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Torem Tablets® 5 mg and 10 mg, MEDA Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium, dated September 2009, accessed September 2010.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)