Bumex : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Bumex is a strong diuretic (‘water pill’) and can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is important that you take it exactly as your doctor has told you. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rapid and excessive weight loss; decreased urination; dry mouth; thirst; nausea; vomiting weakness; drowsiness; confusion; muscle pain or cramps; or fast or pounding heartbeats.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bumex (Bumetanide) is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid retained in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, such as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Bumex is in a class of medications called diuretics (“water pills”). It works by causing the kidneys to remove unnecessary water and salt from the body into the urine.

How should this medicine be used?

Bumex (Bumetanide) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. When used to treat edema, a second or third dose can be given every 4 to 5 hours, depending on the amount of swelling. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand. Take Bumex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Bumex controls edema but does not cure it. Keep taking Bumex even if you feel fine. Do not stop taking Bumex without consulting your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Bumex is also sometimes used to treat high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Bumex,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bumex, sulfonamides, any other medications, or any ingredient in Bumex tablets. Ask your pharmacist or see patient information for a list of ingredients.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications for high blood pressure; aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin (Garamycin), or tobramycin (Bethkis, Tobi); corticosteroids (for example prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin); indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex); lithium (Lithobid) and probenecid (Probalan, Probenemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take Bumex.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or heart or liver disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking Bumex, call your doctor.
  • If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Bumex.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, or if you want to eat or drink larger amounts of potassium-rich foods (for example, bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet, follow these instructions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • frequent urination
  • dizziness
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you have any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • ringing in ears
  • loss of hearing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • severe rash with peeling skin
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • hives

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as those containing weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and small children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medicine in a safe place, one that is upright and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department to find out about take-back programs in your community. Check out the FDA drug safe disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or is unable to wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • extreme tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • stomach cramps

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Bumex.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Bumex®

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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