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TORSEMIDE
Torsemide inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.
Torsemide is a marketed diuretic used primarily for the treatment of edema, competing in a segment dominated by well-established alternatives such as Furosemide and Bumetanide. Its key strength lies in its mechanism of action, which effectively increases the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system in the kidney. The primary risk to Torsemide's market position is the key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics.
At a glance
| Generic name | TORSEMIDE |
|---|---|
| Also known as | torasemide |
| Drug class | Loop Diuretic [EPC] |
| Target | Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1993 |
Mechanism of action
Torsemide is a loop diuretic that works by blocking the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier system in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This action prevents the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water, leading to increased urinary excretion. Unlike other diuretics, torsemide's diuretic effect is more closely related to its rate of excretion in the urine rather than its blood concentration. This makes it particularly effective in managing fluid overload conditions such as edema and hypertension.
Approved indications
- Edema Treatment
- Hypertension Management
Pipeline indications
- Heart failure with overactive bladder — Phase 2
- Renal edema — Phase 2
- Postpartum hypertension — Phase 2
Common side effects
- Excessive urination
- Hypokalemia
- Increased blood urea nitrogen
- Increased serum creatinine
- Increased serum uric acid
- Increased serum glucose
- Increased total cholesterol
- Increased triglycerides
Drug interactions
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- CYP2C9 inhibitors
- Cholestyramine
- Organic anion drugs
- Lithium
- Renin-angiotensin inhibitors
- Radiocontrast agents
- Corticosteroids and ACTH
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Extended Release Torsemide in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Overactive Bladder (PHASE2)
- Comparing Natriuretic Effects of ER Torsemide to IR Torsemide in Patients With Heart Failure (PHASE4)
- Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Study of Extended Release Torsemide and Spironolactone (PHASE3)
- A Study Comparing the Clinical Benefit of Finerenone Versus a Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) of Extended-Release Torsemide and Spironolactone in Patients With Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease (PHASE3)
- Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Study of ER Torsemide and Spironolactone FDC Tablet in Healthy Subjects (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Food or no Food on the Bioavailability of an Extended Release (ER) Torsemide and Spironolactone Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) Tablet in Healthy Adult Subjects (PHASE3)
- A Comparative Bioavailability Study of Two Torasemide 10 mg Tablets Formulations in Healthy Adult Participants Under Fasting Conditions: (PHASE1)
- A Study of Ultra High Dose Diuretics to Treat Heart Failure (PHASE2)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 10154963 | 2033-10-06 | Formulation |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- TORSEMIDE CI brief — competitive landscape report
- TORSEMIDE updates RSS · CI watch RSS