What is this medication?

BUMETANIDE (byoo MET a nide) reduces swelling related to heart, kidney, or liver disease. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.

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

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver disease
  • Low levels of electrolytes, like magnesium, potassium, or sodium, in your blood
  • Vomiting
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to bumetanide, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein or a muscle. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Alcohol
  • Certain antibiotics given by injection
  • Diuretics
  • Heart medications, such as digoxin and dofetilide
  • Hormones, such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone
  • Lithium
  • Medications for diabetes
  • Medications for high blood pressure
  • Medications for inflammation, such as indomethacin
  • OTC supplements, such as 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 medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
  • Hearing loss, ringing in ears
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

  • Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.