Bumex (Bumetanide)

Do's

• Take Bumex tablets by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily. 
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for administering the solution form, whether it's given by injection into a vein or muscle. 
• Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare provider if you are giving this injection to yourself at home. 
• Start this medication with a lower dose for older adults to decrease the risk of side effects. 
• Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) of the day as directed to get the most benefit from it. 
• Keep taking the medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. 
• Remember to inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or gets worse. 
• Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your dosing schedule. 

Don’ts 

• Don't take Bumex within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. 
• Don't increase your dose or take the medication more often than directed. 

Bumex is available in tablet and solution form. The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. 

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

Common Side Effects:

• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Headache

Less Common Side Effects:

• Hypotension
• Encephalopathy (in patients with pre-existing liver disease)
• Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)

Other Considerations:

• Dehydration is a serious potential side effect of this strong diuretic medication.
• Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loose stools, and constipation have been reported in less than 2% of patients.
• Nervous system side effects, such as headache, dizziness, deafness, tinnitus, vertigo, and decreased hearing, have also been reported.

For more detailed information about the side effects of Bumex, consult a healthcare provider.

Bumex is a very potent medication, and using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and salt/mineral loss. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary while taking this medication. Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms such as extreme thirst, confusion, muscle cramps, or weakness develop.

Serum potassium should be measured periodically, and potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics may be added if necessary. Periodic determinations of other electrolytes are advised, particularly in patients on low-salt diets. Bumex may also increase urinary calcium excretion with resultant hypocalcemia.

Hyperuricemia, reversible elevations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, and increased urinary excretion of magnesium may occur. Discuss any existing health problems, allergies, or medications with a healthcare provider before taking Bumex.

Dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

The information provided here is a summary of the warnings and precautions for Bumex. For more detailed information, consult a healthcare provider.