Bumetanide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. Bumex is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen.

Bumex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Older adults usually start with a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) of the day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. If you are taking this medication to control high blood pressure, tell your doctor if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.

Bumex will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Bumex. This can lead to very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

You should not use Bumex if you are unable to urinate, if you have severe kidney or liver disease, if you are severely dehydrated, or if you have an electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium).

You should not use Bumex if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
• severe liver disease or cirrhosis;
• severe dehydration; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart rhythm disorder;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• gout;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Bumex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may cause a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears, temporary or permanent decreased hearing/deafness), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food but if it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take it more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass more urine after taking this medicine. Do not take it at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink each day. You must not get dehydrated.

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 or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

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