• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

BUMETANIDE (byoo MET a nide) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, and edema or swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal blood electrolytes
• diarrhea or vomiting
• gout
• heart disease
• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bumetanide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is injected into a muscle or a vein. It is usually given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or in a clinic.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• diuretics
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• heart medicines like digoxin and dofetilide
• hormones like cortisone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for inflammation like indomethacin
• OTC supplements like ginseng and ephedra

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You will be monitored closely while you are on this medicine. It will lower your blood pressure and may increase your blood sugar. If you are diabetic your blood sugar will need to be checked.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• fever or chills
• hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps, pain or weakness
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting or diarrhea

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• loss of appetite
• unusual bleeding or bruising

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Last Updated: March 18, 2009