Indications
- Bumetanide is used to reduce excess fluid in the body (edema) due to conditions like heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
- It alleviates symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in the arms, legs, and abdomen.
- Bumetanide is a diuretic or “water pill” that increases urine production, aiding the body in eliminating extra water and salt.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
- Avoid taking it within 4 hours of bedtime to prevent nighttime urination.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Older adults typically start with a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Do not increase or take it more often than directed.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) of the day to maximize benefits. Even if you feel well, continue taking it.
- Inform your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens.
- For those using the medication to control high blood pressure, report if blood pressure readings remain high or increase.
Side effects
- Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If it persists or worsens, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
- The medication is prescribed because your doctor deems the benefits greater than the risks; many users do not experience serious side effects.
- This medication may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Report unlikely but serious side effects to your doctor immediately, such as muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
- Contact your doctor promptly for serious side effects, including numbness/tingling/pain/swelling of the arms/legs, chest pain, hearing changes, easy bruising/bleeding, and signs of kidney problems.
- A severe allergic reaction is rare but requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
- This list is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist for other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Before taking bumetanide, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies to it or other substances. Inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
- Share your medical history with your doctor, especially kidney problems, liver problems, inability to make urine, or gout.
- For individuals with diabetes, monitor blood sugar regularly, and inform your doctor. Adjustments to diabetes medication or diet may be necessary.
- Bumetanide may lower potassium levels. Your doctor may recommend potassium-rich foods or supplements to prevent loss. Seek more details from your doctor.
- This drug may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness, and limit alcohol and marijuana use.
- Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration. Report prolonged episodes to your doctor and follow fluid intake instructions.
- Before surgery, disclose all products used to your doctor, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal products.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly dizziness and water/mineral loss.
- During pregnancy, use only when necessary; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.