[Torasemide--new generation loop diuretic: clinical pharmacology and therapeutic application]

Peculiarities of clinical pharmacology of new generation loop diuretic torasemide and its possible place in the treatment of arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure (CHF) and liver cirrhosis are considered. Main advantage of torasemide over loop diuretics of furosemide and bumetamide type is that in addiction to powerful diuretic and natriuretic actions it produces potassium sparing effect that is explainded by ability its of to tosasimide to block aldosterone receptors in renal tubules. Moreover torasemide exerts longer action than furosemide and bumetamide what allows to take it once a day. In low doses torasemide produces pronounced antihypertensive effect without augmentation of excretion of potassium and water with urine. Because of this it can be used as antihypertensive drug for monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Contrary to thiazide and loop diuretics prescription of subdiuretic doses of torasemide usually does not require control of potassium content in the blood or addition of potassium preparations. In higher doses (10 mg/day or more) torasemide acts as typical loop diuretic and can be used in the treatment of CHF and liver cirrhosis with ascites. Due to potassium sparing action it more rarely than furosemide and bumetamide causes hypokalemia. Comparative studies have shown than in CHF torasemide exerts more favorable effect on clinical signs of disease and functional status of patients than furosemide. Total mortality, cardiovascular mortality and requirements in hospitalization of patients receiving torasemide is substantially less than of patients receiving furosemide.