drugs

DIURESIX ® Torasemide

DIURESIX ® is a drug based on Torasemide

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Loop diuretics / diuretics

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications DIURESIX ® Torasemide

DIURESIX ® is indicated in the treatment of edematous conditions of various origins (cardiac, hepatic and renal), acute pulmonary edema, ascites, low and medium grade arterial hypertension, congestive heart failure, acute renal failure with oliguria, chronic renal failure and nephrotic syndrome .

DIURESIX ® in 200 mg vials is only indicated for the treatment of patients with renal insufficiency not yet in the anuric phase.

Mechanism of action DIURESIX ® Torasemide

DIURESIX ® is characterized by a very rapid and effective absorption kinetics. The maximum peak, following oral administration of the drug, is reached between 60 and 120 minutes, with a very high bioavailability, between 80 and 90%. Consequently, the first effects in diuretic terms are observed already after the first hour, with a gradual increase in the therapeutic action, which is maximum between the second and third hour after oral administration. The speed of action is decidedly higher (a few minutes later) in the case of intravenous administration, indicated for example in cases of acute pulmonary edema, renal insufficiency, severe ascites, where a rapid release of diuresis is necessary. In both cases the effect persists for about 12 hours, after which the torasemide is eliminated at the renal level.

The diuretic action of DIURESIX ® is guaranteed by the inhibitory action of its active principle on the reabsorption of chlorine and sodium at the loop of Henle (structure belonging to the nephrotic unit), with an increase in the elimination of water and consequent reduction edema and cardiac work.

Studies show that torasemide presents important improvements compared to the well-known diuretic of the loop, the furosemide, which is concretized with:

  1. Increased diuretic power at the same dosage;
  2. Longer duration of action;
  3. Reduced potassium and calcium excretion.

These characteristics could make torasemide, the most effective active ingredient in the treatment of hypertension.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1 TORASEMIDE, DRUG DRUG

From the critical re-reading of the scientific literature, the authors of this study look at torasemide as the drug of first choice for the treatment of a series of pathologies, from hypertension to heart failure, from cirrhosis to other diseases for which the use of diuretics.

These conclusions were drawn after observing the particular therapeutic efficacy of this active ingredient, able - at the modest dose of 10mg / day - to stabilize the arterial pressure in hypertensive patients in 8 weeks, significantly reducing, compared to the other loop diuretics, the loss of potassium, the occurrence of side effects, the need for hospitalization and cardiovascular and total mortality.

2. PROLONGED RELEASE TORASEMIDE

It has been known for some time that drug release dynamics can significantly affect the therapeutic effect of the drug. In this study we tested the antihypertensive capacity of torasemide taken through a prolonged or immediate release. The results show, at the same dosage, a better effect of the prolonged release drug than the immediate one, concretized in a better pressure control and in a greater tolerability.

3. WOMEN AT GREATER RISK OF SIDE EFFECTS FROM TORASEMIDE

From the careful reassessment of the literature, it emerged how sex can significantly affect the incidence of side effects due to the administration of torasemide. Studies conducted on 90 patients, equally divided between men and women, allowed to observe a significant reduction in the renal elimination of torasemide in the female gender, with a significant increase in the side effects of the drug. This condition could be linked to the presence of sex-specific polymorphisms on enzymes responsible for the metabolism of torasemide.

Method of use and dosage

DIURESIX ® tablets of 10mg of torasemide: we recommend taking ½ -2 tablets per day to be taken with a glass of water during meals.

DIURESIX ® 10 mg torasemide ampoules: intravenous administration of 1 or 2 ampoules per day in a single dose is recommended in the cases indicated above.

DIURESIX ® vials of 200mg of torasemide: generally administered exclusively in hospitals and in cases of renal failure in the non-anuric phase.

The aforementioned dosages may vary, at the discretion of your doctor, based on the extent of the edema and the needs of the patient.

Warnings DIURESIX ® Torasemide

DIURESIX ® torasemide) shares with the furosemide, active ingredient of LASIX, not only the biological effect and the mechanism of action, but also warnings and side effects.

In fact, also in this case, before and during the administration of DIURESIX ® especially if continued for prolonged times, and in particular classes of patients at risk - it is necessary to monitor continuously the levels of potassium, natremia, uricemia, creatininemia and lipidemia, and eventually correct them before starting the treatment plan. It is also important to ensure that the urinary tract is patented.

Also not to be underestimated is the increase in insulin resistance induced by loop diuretics, which could aggravate the glycemic profile in patients with diabetes mellitus, with consequent repercussions on the metabolic profile.

The possible hypotensive action, particularly evident in the first days of treatment, could determine a reduction in perceptive capacities and an extension of reaction times, exposing the patient to potential risks derived from the use of vehicles and machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of DIURESIX ® during the entire pregnancy is strongly discouraged.

Torasemide is also secreted in breast milk, therefore it would be necessary to stop breast-feeding during therapy with DIURESIX ®

Interactions

The biological and pharmacokinetic effects of DIURESIX ® could be altered by:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, able to reduce the functionality of torasemide;
  2. Antihypertensive drugs, with a mutual strengthening of the effects;
  3. Cholestyramine, with reduction of the therapeutic action of torasemide;

DIURESIX ® can instead alter the functionality of:

  • Antidiabetic drugs, reducing their effect;
  • Antibiotics amino glucosidics, increasing the harmful effects;
  • Cisplatin and lithium, with an increased cardio and neuro-toxic effect;
  • Curaro, with strengthening of myorelaxing action;
  • High dose salicylates;
  • Mineralocorticoids and glucorticoids, with increased risk of hypokalaemia.

Contraindications DIURESIX ® Torasemide

The administration of DIURESIX ® should be avoided in the event of:

  • Hypersensitivity to the drug or to one of its products and metabolites;
  • Renal failure in the anuric phase;
  • Pre-coma and hepatic coma;
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The intake of DIURESIX ® even at therapeutic doses may occasionally be associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

On the other hand, unbalanced doses of DIURESIX ® can cause a profound hydro-saline imbalance, with consequent hypotension, headache, dizziness, asthenia, cramps, loss of appetite and in more serious cases - particularly frequent in older and dehydrated patients - cardiovascular disorders and episodes thrombotic induced by haemoconcentration.

In case of hypersensitivity to one of the components of DIURESIX ® it is possible to register various types of itching, edema and skin reactions.

Although potassium metabolism is not affected by DIURESIX ® cases of hypokalemia have occurred following concomitant use of torasemide and a low potassium diet and frequent episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, which subject the patient to severe dehydration and electrolyte loss.

Note

DIURESIX ® can be sold only under medical prescription.

The use of DIURESIX ® should always take place after consulting your doctor.

The indiscriminate use of DIURESIX ® between athletes and not, in the search for the loss of a few pounds exposes the body to serious side effects. It is also always advisable to reiterate that weight loss in this case is dictated by the elimination of liquids and salts and not by a real weight loss effect, understood as a loss of fat mass.