Generic Bumetanide

Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. Getting rid of extra water helps to reduce fluid in the lungs so that you can breathe easier. It also helps to decrease swelling of the arms, legs, and stomach/abdomen. This medication is known as a diuretic (the same kind of drug as a "water pill"). It causes your body to get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make.

This medication is given by injection into a vein or into a muscle by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed, or stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. If you use this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to use this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before using bumetanide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (an inability to make urine), severe liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low blood levels of sodium or potassium), gout, irregular heartbeat (e.g., ventricular arrhythmias), loss of too much body water (dehydration). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. If you have diabetes, bumetanide may infrequently make it harder to control your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with your doctor. This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug such as dizziness. Newborn babies, especially those that are severely ill or have a certain liver problem (jaundice), may be at greater risk for serious side effects (brain damage caused by too much bilirubin in the blood - kernicterus) while using this drug. Consult the doctor for more details. During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: amphotericin B, cisapride, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, ginseng, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen), probenecid, drugs that can cause hearing or kidney problems (e.g., cisplatin, aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or cause swelling (edema). Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication is expected to increase urination. Dizziness, headache, tiredness, nausea, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may lead the loss of too much body water and minerals (including potassium), causing dehydration. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps/weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea/vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased sexual ability, chest pain, hearing problems (e.g., ringing in the ears, hearing loss), easy bruising/bleeding, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, sudden loss of consciousness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or hospital and will not be stored at home.