Bumetanide tablets and liquid medicine

About bumetanide

Bumetanide belongs to the group of medicines known as loop diuretics. A diuretic is a medicine which increases the amount of urine that you pass out from your kidneys. They are often referred to as 'water' tablets. Bumetanide is used to treat water retention (oedema), which is commonly caused by heart failure.

Heart failure is a condition where fluid accumulates in your body due to your heart not pumping blood around your body as well as it normally would. Fluid leaks out of your blood vessels, causing swelling in the tissues of your lungs, feet or ankles. This extra fluid causes you to feel breathless and tired and your feet and ankles to swell. Bumetanide prevents the build-up of this fluid by increasing the amount of urine your kidneys produce.

Bumetanide is also available in combination with another diuretic medicine called amiloride. Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic which means it prevents too much potassium being lost in your urine.

Before taking bumetanide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bumetanide it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work, have any difficulty passing urine, or are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated).

• If you have prostate problems, or any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have gout or diabetes (diabetes mellitus). These conditions can be made worse by diuretics.

• If you have been told you have low sodium or potassium levels in your blood.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take bumetanide

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about bumetanide and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take bumetanide exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will ask you to take one, or possibly two, doses a day. The directions for taking your doses will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• Bumetanide starts to work within an hour and has an effect which lasts for about six hours. It is best taken in the morning. You might want to plan your daily routine to fit in with your doses as you will need to go to the toilet a couple of times after taking the medicine. Don't take your doses too late in the day as this could disturb your sleep.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take bumetanide either before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dose of bumetanide, take it when you remember unless it is late in the day. If it is after 6 pm in the evening, leave out the missed dose completely and take your next dose when it is due on the following day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. The balance of salts in your blood may be upset by bumetanide so your doctor may want you to have a blood test from time to time to check for this.

• Diuretics help you to lose water, so you can breathe and move more easily. If, however, you lose too much fluid, you may become dehydrated. This will make you feel thirsty and make your skin look and feel dry. Let your doctor know if this happens, as your dose may need to be adjusted.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', please check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take alongside your prescribed medicines.

Can bumetanide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with bumetanide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bumetanide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines