CLINICAL USE

Loop diuretic: Hypertension Oedema

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

2.5–40 mg once daily (varies according to indication) Maximum dose: 200 mg daily

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight                           : 348.4
  • %Protein binding                           : >99
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine     : 25
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg)       : 0.09–0.331
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)      : 3–4/Unchanged

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

  • 20 to 50     : Dose as in normal renal function
  • 10 to 20     : Dose as in normal renal function
  • <10           : Dose as in normal renal function

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD                : Unlikely to be dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
  • HD                     : Not dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
  • HDF/high flux   : Unknown dialysability. Dose as in normal renal function
  • CAV/VVHD      : Not dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs

  • Analgesics: increased risk of nephrotoxicity with NSAIDs; antagonism of diuretic effect with NSAIDs
  • Anti-arrhythmics: risk of cardiac toxicity with anti-arrhythmics if hypokalaemia occurs; effects of lidocaine and mexiletine antagonised
  • Antibacterials: increased risk of ototoxicity with aminoglycosides, polymyxins and vancomycin; avoid concomitant use with lymecycline
  • Antidepressants: increased risk of hypokalaemia with reboxetine; enhanced hypotensive effect with MAOIs; increased risk of postural hypotension with tricyclics
  • Anti-epileptics: increased risk of hyponatraemia with carbamazepine
  • Antifungals: increased risk of hypokalaemia with amphotericin Antihypertensives: enhanced hypotensive effect; increased risk of first dose hypotensive effect with alpha-blockers; increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with sotalol if hypokalaemia occurs
  • Antipsychotics: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with amisulpride, sertindole or pimozide (avoid with pimozide) if hypokalaemia occurs; enhanced hypotensive effect with phenothiazines
  • Atomoxetine: hypokalaemia increases risk of ventricular arrhythmias Cardiac glycosides: increased toxicity if hypokalaemia occurs
  • Lithium: risk of toxicity

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

    Route

    Oral

    Rate of Administration

    Comments

    OTHER INFORMATION

    Torasemide 10 mg is equivalent to furosemide 20–40 mg In patients with renal failure, the renal clearance is reduced but total plasma clearance is not significantly altered Approximately 80% of dose is excreted renally as parent drug and metabolites

  • Related News