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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Bumetanide

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Bumetanide

  • Bumetanide is known as a water tablet and will make you pass more water.
  • Take your dose in the morning or during the day.

About bumetanide

Type of medicineLoop diuretic
Used forOedema (water retention)
Also calledBurinex®
Available asTablets, solution and injection

Bumetanide is used to treat oedema (water retention), caused by conditions such as heart failure. It is sometimes referred to as a water tablet.

If the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around the body, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels causing swelling in the tissues of the lungs, feet or ankles. Bumetanide prevents the build up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.

Before taking bumetanide

Before taking bumetanide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney problems, or are dehydrated.
  • If you have prostate or liver problems.
  • If you have gout or diabetes.
  • If you have Addison's disease (a problem of the adrenal glands) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • If you have been told you have low levels of sodium (salt) or potassium in your blood, or if you are on a low salt diet.
  • If you have been told you have high levels of calcium in your blood.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take bumetanide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take bumetanide at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Bumetanide will make you urinate (pass water) more often, so your doctor will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6 pm in the evening.
  • If you miss a dose of bumetanide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking bumetanide without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
  • Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can bumetanide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sweets
Feeling or being sick, stomach ache and cramp, indigestionEat little and often and stick to simple foods. Drink water to replace any lost fluids
Dizziness or feeling faint especially when getting up from sitting or lying downGetting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few minutes before standing
Feeling tired or drowsyMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Muscle cramps, joint pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), skin rash, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and dehydrationIf troublesome, tell your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bumetanide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Burinex®, Leo Laboratories Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised September 2006, accessed 25 June 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Bumetanide Tablets, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised September 2007, accessed 25 June 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3498DocRef: dils2802Last Reviewed: 10 Aug 2008Version: 25
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