A dose-response study of orally administered torsemide in patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Torsemide increased sodium excretion substantially in patients with cirrhosis and ascites who were receiving spironolactone.
Applefeld
J J
JJ
Critical Care Services, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006.
Kasmer
R J
RJ
Hak
L J
LJ
Dukes
G E
GE
Wermeling
D P
DP
McClain
C J
CJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012449:Safety; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077786:Torsemide
D004232:Diuretics; D004573:Electrolytes; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013148:Spironolactone; D000077786:Torsemide