$Unique_ID{BRK01857}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BUMETANIDE}
$Subject{Bumex (Roche)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BUMETANIDE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Bumex (Roche)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     bumetanide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg)
STORAGE:
     Bumetanide should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Bumetanide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also used
to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some
medications.  This medication reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the
elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try
to take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next one.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the next dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss
of appetite, sore mouth, or stomach upset.  As your body adjusts to the
medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication causes an increase in the amount of urine or frequency of
urination when you first begin to take it.  It may also cause you to have an
unusual feeling of tiredness.  These effects should lessen after several days.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain cereals and breads) and
exercise (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
abdominal pain, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, fainting,
itching, joint pains, loss of appetite, mood changes, muscle pain and cramps,
nausea, palpitations, rash, ringing in the ears, sore throat, thirst, tingling
in the fingers and toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Bumetanide interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the side effects of alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics,
cephalosporin antibiotics, chloral hydrate, cortisone and cortisone-like
steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and
prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, amphotericin B, cisplatin,
mercaptopurine, and polymyxin B.
     2. Probenecid and indomethacin may decrease the diuretic effectiveness of
this medication.
     Before taking bumetanide, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those
listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to bumetanide, other diuretics, or any other sulfa
drugs, including oral antidiabetic medicines or sulfonamide antibiotics.
     * Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor if you now
have or if you have ever had kidney disease or problems with urination,
diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, or asthma.
     * Bumetanide can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss include
dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting.  If
you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  Your doctor may want
to have blood tests performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium
levels.  To help avoid potassium loss, take this medication with a glass of
fresh or frozen orange or cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use
of a salt substitute also helps prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your
diet or use a salt substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.
Too much potassium may also be dangerous.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking bumetanide.
     * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while taking this medication,
try not to stand for long periods of time; avoid drinking excessive amounts of
alcohol; and avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather, as well as hot baths,
showers, and saunas.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy,
asthma, or sinus problems, unless you first check with your doctor.
     * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar should be monitored carefully with blood or urine tests
when this medication is being taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug crosses the
placenta.  Although studies in humans have not been conducted, adverse effects
have been reported in the offspring of animals that were given large doses of
this drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding
an infant.  Although problems in humans have not been reported, small amounts
of this drug pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
