Brand name Burinex
Used in the following combined preparations Burinex A, Burinex K
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bumetanide is a powerful, short-acting loop diuretic. The drug is used to treat oedema (fluid retention) resulting from heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis of the liver. Bumetanide is particularly useful in the treatment of
people with impaired kidney function who do not respond well to thiazide diuretics. Because it is fast-acting, it is often injected in emergencies to relieve pulmonary oedema.
Bumetanide increases the loss of potassium in the urine, which can result in a wide variety of symptoms. For this reason, either potassium supplements or a diuretic conserving potassium within the body are often given with the drug.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
Usually once daily in the morning. In some cases, twice daily.
Dosage range
0.5-5mg daily. Dose may be increased if kidney function is impaired.
Onset of effect
Within 30 minutes by mouth; more quickly by injection.
Duration of action
2-4 hours.
Diet advice
Use of this drug may reduce potassium in the body. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
No cause for concern, but take as soon as you remember. However, if it is late in the day do not take the missed dose, or you may need to get up during the night to pass urine. Take the next scheduled dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Loop diuretic
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have diabetes.
You have prostate trouble. You have gout.
You are taking other medications. Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May cause a reduction in blood supply to the developing baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
This drug may reduce your milk supply. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not usually prescribed. Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Dosage is often reduced.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how bumetanide affects you because the drug may cause dizziness and faintness.
Alcohol
Keep consumption low. The drug increases the likelihood of dehydration and hangovers after drinking alcohol.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects are caused mainly by the rapid fluid loss produced by bumetanide.
These diminish as the body adjusts to the drug. Bumetanide may precipitate gout in susceptible individuals, and can affect the control of diabetes.
INTERACTIONS
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) These drugs may reduce the diuretic effect of bumetanide and bumetanide may increase their toxicity.
Lithium Bumetanide may increase the blood levels of lithium, leading to an increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Digoxin The adverse effects of digoxin may be increased if excessive potassium is lost.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs Low potassium levels resulting from use of bumetanide may increase the toxicity of these drugs.
Astemizole and terfenadine Low potassium levels resulting from use of bumetanide increase the risk of irregular
heart beat with these antihistamines.
PROLONGED USE
Serious problems are unlikely, but the levels of certain salts in the body may occasionally become disrupted during prolonged use.
Monitoring Regular blood tests may be performed to check on kidney function and
levels of body salts.
