bumetanide at a glance
Medicine class
Loop diuretic, sometimes called a water tablet.
Forms
Tablets and oral liquid.
Ongoing checks
Blood tests may be needed to monitor kidney function and body salts.
What is bumetanide used for?
Selected UK products are licensed to treat oedema where diuretic treatment is required.
Oedema associated with congestive heart failure.
Oedema associated with renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome.
Oedema associated with cirrhosis of the liver.
The selected tablet is specifically licensed for adults with cardiac or renal oedema requiring a potent, short-acting diuretic.
How does bumetanide work?
Bumetanide blocks the NKCC2 sodium-potassium-chloride transporter in part of the kidney. Less salt is reabsorbed, so more salt and water pass into urine, reducing excess fluid and swelling.
bumetanide preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.2 mg/mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg
How to take bumetanide
Follow the dispensing label. Bumetanide can cause an urgent need to urinate, so consider toilet access.
It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow tablets with water. The score is for easier swallowing, not equal division.
Use the peppermint-flavoured oral liquid exactly as directed.
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber for advice if vomiting, diarrhoea or fever may be causing dehydration.
bumetanide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Thirst, dry mouth or tiredness from dehydration
- Dizziness, particularly on standing, or low blood pressure
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Itching, particularly with liver disease
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe dehydration, confusion, or little or no urine
- Blistering, peeling or target-like rash, or sores affecting the mouth, eyes or genitals
- Tinnitus or hearing loss
- Kidney problems
- Marked electrolyte disturbance, which may cause weakness, cramps, confusion or an abnormal heartbeat
bumetanide in pregnancy
Bumetanide is not usually used during pregnancy because human safety information is limited. It may be considered for serious fluid overload when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk. Discuss treatment with the prescriber or specialist rather than stopping it yourself.
bumetanide while breastfeeding
Bumetanide is not usually used while breastfeeding because evidence about transfer into milk is insufficient. Product information advises avoidance unless treatment is considered essential. Discuss alternatives with the prescriber and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
bumetanide interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines.
Lithium
Bumetanide can reduce lithium clearance and cause potentially serious toxicity; the selected tablet contraindicates concurrent use.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac
These may reduce bumetanide’s diuretic effect and warrant clinical review.
Common questions about bumetanide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can bumetanide be taken with food?
Yes. It may be taken with or without food.
Why does bumetanide make me urinate more?
It prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing some salt, so extra salt and water leave the body in urine.
What should I do if bumetanide makes me dizzy?
Sit or lie down until it passes and stand slowly. Do not drive or use machinery while dizzy. Seek advice if symptoms persist or are severe.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.