Bumex Medication - Uses & Side Effects

BUMETANIDE (Bumex®) is a diuretic (water or fluid pill). Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic; "loop" refers to the part of the kidney where bumetanide works. Bumetanide is given as a diuretic in conditions that make the body retain water and produce swelling (edema), like heart failure, liver or kidney problems. It is not a cure. Generic bumetanide tablets are available.

Bumex is used to lower the amount of excess salt and water in your body by increasing the output of urine. It is prescribed in the treatment of edema, or fluid retention, associated with congestive heart failure and liver or kidney disease. It is also occasionally prescribed, along with other drugs, to treat high blood pressure. Bumex is a powerful drug. If taken in excessive amounts, it can severely decrease the levels of water and minerals, especially potassium, your body needs to function. Therefore, your doctor should monitor your dose carefully. 

Bumex Dosage

• The usual total daily dose is 0.5 to 2.0 milligrams a day. For most people, this is taken as a single dose. However, if the initial dose is not adequate, your doctor may have you take a second and, possibly, a third dose at 4- to 5-hour intervals, up to a maximum daily dose of 10 milligrams.
• For the continuing control of edema, your doctor may tell you to take Bumex on alternate days or for 3 to 4 days at a time with rest periods of 1 to 2 days in between.
• If you have liver failure, your dose will be kept to a minimum and increased very carefully.

Uses of Bumex

• Bumex is used to lower the amount of excess salt and water in your body by increasing the output of urine.
• Bumetanide is used to reduce swelling in the body caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Bumetanide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Bumex

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Bumex. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, nausea.
• Dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or pains, unusual tiredness or weakness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Bumex:

• Bumex can decrease the number of platelets in your blood. Your doctor should monitor your blood status regularly.
• Bumex can cause a loss of potassium from the body. Your doctor may recommend foods or fluids high in potassium or may want you to take a potassium supplement to help prevent this. Follow your doctor's recommendation carefully.
• While taking Bumex you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly does not help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

Drug Interaction :- If Bumex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bumex with the following:

• Blood pressure medications such as Vasotec and Tenormin
  
• Indomethacin (Indocin) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  
• Probenecid (Benemid)

Overdose

An overdose of Bumex can lead to severe dehydration, reduction of blood volume, and severe problems with the circulatory system. The signs of an overdose include:

• Cramps, dizziness, lethargy (sluggishness), loss or lack of appetite, mental confusion, vomiting, weakness.