Bumex (bumetanide) is a potent loop diuretic used to reduce edema caused by heart failure, liver or kidney disease, or other medical conditions. While diuretics are often used to lower blood pressure, Bumex is rarely used for this purpose as it is fast-acting but short-lasting.

The medication helps eliminate salt from the body in urine, reducing swelling in feet, legs, arms, and the abdomen. Patients are often able to breathe easier and no longer have the discomfort of swollen extremities.

Most patients take Bumex in tablet form, which come in 0.5, 1, or 2 mg doses. Those who have poor gastrointestinal absorption or for other reasons can't take tablets may be given Bumex via intramuscular injection, though this is not ideal and patients will be switched to tablets as soon as possible.

Taking Bumex

Treatment with Bumex can be quite variable, depending to some extent on the condition being treated, its severity, and patient response:

• The majority of patients find 0.5 to 2 mg per day to be adequate.
• The above dosage is typically administered once per day.
• Treatment may be increased up to 10 mg per day.
• If dosage is over 2 mg, it may be divided into two or more doses taken throughout the day.
• Treatment may be daily, every other day, or every 3 to 4 days depending on patient response.

As one can see from the above, treatment is highly individualized and difficult to summarize. A doctor will ideally determine dosage and an administration schedule. Regular doctor visits will also help monitor for developing side effects.

Bumex can be taken with or without food according to personal preference. If nausea or other stomach upset is experienced, taking tablets on a full stomach may help.

This product is often prescribed when other diuretics, particularly furosimide, are not suitable, such as due to allergy, or simply aren't working. It is a potent medication that must be used with care. Be sure to drink sufficient fluids to avoid dehydration.

Other Uses

Bumex has been used, particularly in professional sports, to lose weight. Weight lost is predominantly water, so it's not a particularly effective tool for long-term weight loss, but it can produce relatively substantial short-term results.

Bumex is more commonly used to help pass a drug test. The medication significantly dilutes urine, making substances more difficult to detect. Bumex is sometimes tested for, particularly in professional sports. Testing in other scenarios involving drug tests---such as pre-employment---is unlikely, but it is possible.

Warnings & Side Effects

Some individuals are poor candidates for Bumex, particularly those who:

• Have difficulty or are unable to urinate
• Have severe liver or kidney disease
• Are severely dehydrated

Those who can take Bumex but may require modified dosing and more frequent monitoring include those who have:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Mild to moderate kidney or liver disease
• A heart rhythm disorder

The majority of Bumex patients experience only mild side effects, but they can range to dangerous. Don't be afraid to consult a doctor about any concerning side effects, particularly:

• Blurred vision
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Appetite loss
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Muscle cramps
• Difficulty urinating
• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Bumex is not a potassium-sparing diuretic; a doctor may advise potassium supplements.

Effects of Bumex on unborn or nursing babies are unknown.