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A dose‐response study of orally administered torsemide in patients with ascites due to cirrhosis
Author(s) -
APPLEFELD J. J.,
KASMER R. J.,
HAK L. J.,
DUKES G. E.,
WERMELING D. P.,
McCLAIN C. J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1994.tb00306.x
Subject(s) - medicine , spironolactone , diuretic , ascites , cirrhosis , excretion , crossover study , urine , endocrinology , furosemide , placebo , gastroenterology , aldosterone , alternative medicine , pathology
SUMMARY Background: This study evaluated the dose‐response relationship of torsemide, the first pyridine‐sulphonylurea loop diuretic, in patients with ascites due to cirrhosis. Methods: During a 13‐day hospitalization period, 17 patients received single, oral doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg of torsemide or placebo in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover fashion. All the patients received a constant dose of spironolactone concomitantly beginning at least 7 days before the study. Electrolyte excretion and urine volume were measured for 24 h after each dose. Body weight was measured before, and 24 h after each dose. Results: Torsemide was effective in producing statistically significant, dose‐related increases in urinary sodium and chloride excretion, with little effect on potassium or magnesium excretion. Urine volume increased and body weight decreased in a dose‐related manner. Conclusion: Torsemide increased sodium excretion substantially in patients with cirrhosis and ascites who were receiving spironolactone.