bumetanide – oral, Bumex
WARNING: Bumetanide is a potent medication that can cause serious water and salt/mineral loss. You must be closely monitored by your doctor while taking this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience excessive thirst, confusion, or muscle cramps/weakness. For more information, see the Side Effects section.
USES: Bumetanide is used to reduce excess fluid in the body (edema) caused by heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. It alleviates symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling in the arms, legs, and abdomen. Bumetanide is a diuretic that increases urine production, helping the body eliminate extra water and salt. It may also be prescribed to treat high blood pressure, especially in individuals with heart failure, fluid in the lungs, or kidney disease. Managing high blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Avoid taking it within 4 hours of bedtime to minimize nighttime urination. Your dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Older adults typically start with a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it more frequently than instructed. Take this medication consistently at the same time(s) every day to maximize its effectiveness. Even if you feel well, continue taking it as prescribed. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. If you are taking this medication to control high blood pressure and your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, consult your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If this persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from a seated or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication experience no significant side effects. However, there is a potential for severe body water loss (dehydration) and salt/mineral loss. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, rapid/irregular heartbeat, or a decrease in urine output. Rare but serious side effects include numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs and changes in hearing. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice indications of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience additional effects. In the US, report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, contact Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Prior to using bumetanide, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you have, as this product may contain inactive ingredients that can elicit allergic reactions or other complications. Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture, avoiding storage in the bathroom. Keep all prescriptions out of reach of children and pets. Do not dispose of medications down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so by a professional waste disposal entity.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal supplements, as drug interactions can alter their efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects. This database does not encompass all possible drug interactions, so maintain a list of all your medications and share it with your healthcare providers. Do not alter your dosage or use of medications without your doctor’s approval. Certain products, such as indomethacin, lithium, and probenecid, may interact with bumetanide. Review labels of all medications, including over-the-counter products like cough-and-cold remedies, diet aids, and NSAIDs, for ingredients that may elevate blood pressure or exacerbate swelling. Consult your pharmacist for further details.
OVERDOSE: In the event of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. In the US, call the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call a provincial poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include fainting, severe weakness, and a significant decrease in urinary output.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. To optimize the effectiveness of this medication, consider making lifestyle changes like regular exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and dietary modifications. Consult your doctor for further guidance. Undergo periodic laboratory and/or medical tests to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Regularly measure your blood pressure at home and share the results with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and adhere to your usual dosing regimen. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired or unused medication. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance on appropriate disposal methods.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
If you experience negative side effects from prescription drugs, report them to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is obtained with permission from First Databank, Inc. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. This information does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, making changes to your diet, or initiating or discontinuing any treatment.
