Bumetanide Oral Tablets

What is this medication?

BUMETANIDE (byoo MET a nide) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. It treats swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bumex

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 drugs, other drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug 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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• alcohol
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• diuretics
• heart medicines like digoxin and dofetilide
• hormones like cortisone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for inflammation like indomethacin
• OTC supplements like 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?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this drug. Ask your health care provider. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.

Check with your health care provider if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this drug.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this drug.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care provider for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• decreased hearing, ringing of the ears
• kidney injury (trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine)
• low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)
• low potassium levels (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; muscle cramps or pain)
• severe diarrhea
• unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• headache
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• stomach pain
• unusual sweating
• vomiting

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?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

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.