Bumetanide dosage, side effects

Bumetanide dosage, side effects:

Bumetanide is a potent loop diuretic used to treat edema (fluid retention) caused by conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease. It works by inhibiting the Na-K-2Cl symporter in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys, promoting the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.

Brand Names of Bumetanide

Bumetanide is sold under various brand names worldwide, including:

United States & Canada:

Bumex (most common brand in the U.S.)
Burinex (Canada)

Europe & Other Regions:

Burinex (UK, Europe, Australia)
Fordiuran (Germany)
Lunetoron (Japan)
Bumetanid (some European countries)

Forms & Dosage

Tablets: Typically 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg
Injection: 0.25 mg/mL (for IV or IM use in hospital settings)

Medical Uses

Edema (due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease)
Hypertension (less common, usually when other diuretics fail)
Off-label uses: Sometimes for hypercalcemia or acute kidney injury

Side Effects

Common: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, sodium, magnesium), dizziness, muscle cramps
Serious: Ototoxicity (hearing loss, especially with high IV doses), kidney dysfunction, severe hypotension

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) → Reduced diuretic effect
Digoxin → Risk of digoxin toxicity (due to low potassium)
Lithium → Increased lithium levels (risk of toxicity)
Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) → Increased risk of hearing damage

Key Considerations

Monitor electrolytes (especially potassium)
Avoid in severe kidney failure unless closely supervised
Pregnancy: Category C (risk cannot be ruled out)

Bumetanide is more potent than furosemide (Lasix), with 1 mg bumetanide ≈ 40 mg furosemide. It’s often used when patients don’t respond well to furosemide.