Diuretic activity, safety and pharmacokinetics of torasemide during chronic treatment in normal subjects

Summary

Torasemide 40 mg/day p.o. was administered for 21 days to 8 healthy volunteers to investigate its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety on chronic administration. It induced a highly significant initial increase in 24-h urinary volume and 24-h excretion of sodium and chloride, but its affect diminished after the first days. On Days 0, 1, 10 and 21 the experiement was divided in 3 clearance phases, extending from 0 to 2 h, 2 to 6 h and 6 to 24 h after dosing. The fractional excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphates peaked during the first 2 h and returned almost to the control value during the following two clearance phases. The phase-dependent changes were significant for all electrolytes, except for potassium and inorganic phosphate. Plasma electrolyte levels remained constant throughout the study, except for a small decrease in chloride and potassium and for an increase in calcium and magnesium. Fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance test were unaffected. A small but significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol was observed on Day 10. Other plasma lipid components showed minor changes. Plasma uric acid levels were moderately increased. There was no significant change of the creatinine clearance. Body weight fell significantly (by about 2 kg) during the study. Tonal audiometry was normal before and after the study. There was no significant difference between the plasma levels of torasemide on Days 1, 10 and 21, nor between its elimination half-life on Days 1 and 21. Side-effects consisted mainly of fatigue and low-back pain on days of intense diuresis. There were no toxic symptoms. ECG recordings and blood pressure remained within normal limits.