Indications
Demadex is the brand name of torsemide, which is a loop diuretic (water pill) that is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. It works by increasing the production of urine, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the body. By reducing fluid buildup, Demadex can help to alleviate the symptoms of edema, including swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Demadex (Torsemide) is a loop diuretic that works by causing the kidneys to eliminate excess water and salt from the body through increased urine output. Torsemide acts on the transport of salt and water across cells found in the loop of Henle in the kidneys. This increased urine output helps in reducing edema (swelling) from multiple causes such as heart failure, renal disease, or liver disease. Demadex is used to treat fluid retention in patients with conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease.
Uses and Dosage
Demadex comes in tablet form and should be taken orally as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually once daily. Avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. The dosage of Demadex that you should take will depend on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. Do not alter your dosage or take the medication more often than directed by your doctor.
To ensure that Demadex is most effective, it should be taken regularly at the same time each day, as directed by your doctor. Continue taking this medication, as most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. The full blood pressure-lowering effect of Demadex may take 4-6 weeks to be observed, and sometimes up to 12 weeks. Do not stop taking Demadex without first consulting your doctor.
- The recommended dosages of Demadex (Torsemide) for Edema due to heart or kidney disease are typically 10 to 20 mg by mouth once daily, with the dose adjusted based on the response to medication. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg by mouth once daily.
- For edema due to liver disease, the typical starting dose is 5 to 10 mg by mouth once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg by mouth once daily.
- For high blood pressure, the typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once daily, with the dose adjusted after 4-6 weeks based on the response to medication. The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily. It is recommended to take Demadex at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after certain cholesterol-lowering medications.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Demadex (Torsemide):
- Constipation
- Cough
- Decreased sex drive
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty having an orgasm
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Impotence
- Increased or excessive urination
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach upset
Serious Side Effects of Demadex (Torsemide):
- Atrial fibrillation
- Confusion
- Electrolyte disorders
- Fainting
- Hearing loss
- Increased thirst low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats
- Lightheadedness and fainting
- Liver disease
- Low blood potassium
- Ringing in ears
- Severe lightheadedness
- Skin swelling due to allergic reaction
- Urinary retention (no urination)
- Ventricular fibrillation
Form and Strength
Demadex (Torsemide) is available in the following forms and strength:
Demadex: Tablet
- 10 mg
Torsemide: Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Caution
- Patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs may also be allergic to Demadex.
- Demadex may cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels, which can be dangerous.
- Torsemide may cause dehydration, especially in patients with preexisting kidney or liver disease.
- Demadex may cause an increase in uric acid levels, which could cause or worsen gout.
- Torsemide may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
- Demadex may exacerbate or cause kidney problems in patients with preexisting kidney disease.
- Torsemide may cause photosensitivity, so patients taking this medication should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and tanning beds.
- Demadex may cause a decrease in blood pressure, which could lead to falls and other injuries, especially in elderly patients.
- Demadex may cause hypotension (low blood pressure) which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting.
- Long-term use of Torsemide may cause a decrease in bone density, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.
- Demadex may cause elevated blood sugar levels and worsen diabetes.
- Demadex should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women as its effects on the developing fetus or infant are not fully known.
- Certain medical conditions such as gout, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and lupus may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Demadex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Demadex be taken with other medications?
Patients should talk to their doctor before taking Demadex with other medications, as certain medications may interact with Demadex, including other diuretics, blood pressure medications, and drugs that affect electrolyte balance.
How long does it take for Demadex to start working?
The onset of action of Demadex is typically within 1 hour of administration, with maximal effects occurring within 2 to 3 hours.
How long does Demadex stay in the body?
The half-life of Demadex is about 3.5 hours, which means it takes about 21 hours for the medication to be removed from the body.
Can Demadex be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety of Demadex during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Resources
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/torsemide
- https://www.goodrx.com/demadex/medicare-coverage
- https://www.rxlist.com/demadex-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020136s027lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aff713e8-2cb6-4e49-94a2-c55c5491c822
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5236/demadex-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/torsemide-oral-route/description/drg-20067926
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/demadex.html
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