Bumex (Bumetanide)

What is Bumex?

Bumex is a loop diuretic (water pill).

What is Bumex used for?

Bumex is used to treat edema in patients suffering from nephritic syndrome (a kidney disorder), liver disease or congestive heart failure.

How does Bumex work?

Bumex works by reducing extra water in the body. It does so by increasing the amount of urine the body makes. It also results in reducing the fluid pressure in the lungs, hence assisting in easier breathing.

How to use Bumex

Bumex should be taken by mouth after consultation with your physician. It may also be administered with milk or food to prevent stomach upset. As consumption of Bumex results in excess urination, it is advised to take the capsules at least 4 hours before bedtime.

Bumex is most effective when administered regularly. Medical advice should be taken before stopping the course. It is also not advised increase the dosage.

Adhere to your doctor’s instructions.

Bumex warnings and precautions

If you are allergic to Bumex or any other drug, you should consult your doctor. Inactive ingredients in the drug may cause certain allergic reactions. People suffering from severe kidney or liver disease, low blood levels of sodium or potassium, gout, severe diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, or dehydration should consult their physicians before administering the drug.

If you are a diabetes patient, it is also advised to consult the physician before taking Bumex as this drug may affect your blood sugar levels.

These conditions are more prevalent with old age patients or young children suffering from liver diseases.

Pregnant and lactating females should consult their doctors before taking this drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Bumex dose?

If you have missed your Bumex dose, you should take the missed dose of Bumex as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose then take it when the time comes and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicines to catch up.

What do I do if I have taken a Bumex overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Bumex, you should seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms starting from confusion, dizziness to loss of appetite can suggest an overdose of Bumex.

Bumex interactions

If this drug is being administered under medical supervision, then all the possible interactions are more or less made aware of. Bumex has some very serious interactions with the drug cisapride. Hence medical attention is advised if you are taking this drug.

Bumex might also have certain interactions with drugs amphotericin B, digoxin, ginseng, lithium, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, probenecid, drugs that can cause hearing or kidney problems, corticosteroids. However aspirins that are administered in low dosages for treatment of heart attack can be continued.

It is advised not to start or stop or make any kind of changes to your dosage without consulting your doctor.

Bumex side effects

Side effects from Bumex include nausea, dizziness or tiredness. These side effects may take place when the body adjusts to the medication. Bumex can sometimes also lead to an excessive loss of water and minerals. You can determine dehydration if symptoms such as muscle cramps, confusion, seizures, severe dizziness, unusual thirst, numbness occur.

Serious side effects may also include hearing problems (e.g., ringing in the ears, hearing loss), chest pain, dark urine, easy bruising/bleeding, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain. In such circumstances you should consult your doctor immediately.  Other allergic reactions, although rare, may result in rash, itching and swelling of the tongue and throat and breathing trouble.