Demadex is an oral diuretic made up of a drug called torsemide. This medication is available as Demadex in 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg.

Demadex is prescribed to help reduce the extra amount of fluid (edema) caused by certain conditions like heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. When you reduce the excess fluid, you also help to resolve the following symptoms such as shortness of breath and inflammation in the legs, arms and abdomen.  It can also be used to treat patients with hypertension, which helps prevent possible outcomes such as strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Torsemide works by causing a frequent need to urinate, which results in less fluid in the body. When you urinate more, you are also getting rid of the extra salt in your body.

Follow the directions located on your prescription. These should be the same directions given to you by your doctor. Ensure to follow his or her directions very carefully.

If you have cirrhosis or other liver disease, it is recommended you take your first dose in a professional medical setting incase adverse reactions occur; they can be quickly treated.

You may take this tablet with or without food.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Ensure the bottle is closed tightly when not in use.

Your doctor will likely suggest different medication if any of the following apply to you:

·   you are allergic to torsemide or any other ingredients in Demadex;

you are unable to urinate; you have a chronic liver problems such as cirrhosis or hepatitis; you are allergic to povidone (sometimes contained in iodine, Betadine); you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

You may need a dose adjustment or may need to take Demadex with special caution if the following apply to you; contact your doctor if:

you have heart disease; you are on a low-salt diet; you have liver disease or kidney disease (unless you are taking Demadex for edema related to liver or kidney problems); or you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins.

This medication shouldn’t harm an unborn baby, but it is still recommended you tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

It is not yet known if torsemide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

This medication should not be taken by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Common or mild side effects of Demadex may include:

• Increase in urination
• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• difficulty in moving
• heartburn
• increased cough

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious or rare side effects of Demadex may include:

drowsiness, lack of energy; leg cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling; fast or irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, feeling restless; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; nausea, vomiting; dry mouth, increased thirst; or little or no urinating.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

kidney problems— little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

dehydration-- feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or

low potassium-- leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

What should I avoid while on Demadex?

Avoid dehydration and overheating while in the sun or doing physically straining activities like working out. Make sure to drink enough fluids however don’t overdo it either. Having too much fluid in your body is just as bad as not having enough.

What if I miss a dose?

Skip the miss dose if your next dose is already soon. Take the miss dose if it hasn’t been that long since you were suppose to take it. Never double up on medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Is this safe for use in children?

No. This medication was not meant for the use of anyone under the age of 18 years old.

What else should I know about Demadex?

If you have ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, or sweating more than usual, call your doctor. You could becoming dehydrated which can lead to low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.