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- $Unique_ID{BRK03057}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{bumetanide}
- $Subject{Bumex Roche Diuretic antihypertensive bumetanide high blood pressure
- fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney disease elimination
- salt water kidneys}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- bumetanide
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- 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, it is not
- known if bumetanide passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-