Bumetanide

What is BUMETANIDE?

(BUMETANIDE) Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. Bumetanide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.

How should I use BUMETANIDE?

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Older adults usually start with a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) of the day as directed. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take BUMETANIDE?

Before taking bumetanide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, inability to make urine, gout. If you have diabetes, bumetanide may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or diet. Bumetanide may reduce the potassium level in your blood. Your doctor may instruct you to add potassium-rich foods to your diet (such as bananas, orange juice) or prescribe potassium supplements to prevent potassium loss. Ask your doctor for more details. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and water/mineral loss. During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with BUMETANIDE?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: desmopressin, indomethacin, lithium, probenecid. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

What should I watch for while using BUMETANIDE?

Bumetanide is a very potent medication. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and salt/mineral loss. It is important that you are closely monitored by your doctor while taking this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you become very thirsty or confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness. See also Side Effects section.

What if I miss a dose of BUMETANIDE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving BUMETANIDE?

Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or confusion. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, fainting, chest pain, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears, temporary or permanent decreased hearing/deafness), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep BUMETANIDE?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.