March 21, 2007

Diuretic for Hypertension - Bumetanide

Bumetanide - pronounce as (byoo MET a nide). Diuretic for hypertension that is also a strong water pill. Sometimes too much water and important elements (potassium) in the blood can be lost. Your healthcare provider will follow you closely to change the dose to match your body's needs.

Common Brand Names
U.S. Brand Names: Bumex®
Canadian Brand Names: Bumex®; Burinex®
Mexican Brand Names: Bumedyl; Drenural; Miccil

Pharmacologic Category: Diuretic, Loop

When not take this diuretic for hypertension
• Any allergic reaction to bumetanide or any other part of this medicine.
• Consult with healthcare provider for any allergic reaction to medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you're allergic to sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, consult with healthcare provider.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Coma from liver disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low calcium levels, low magnesium levels, or low potassium levels.

Main uses of this medicine
• Get rid of extra fluid.
• Hypertension treatment
• Weakened heart improvement

How does it work?
• Bumetanide flushes out extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.

Best use of this prescription drug
• Take this medicine early in the day to avoid difficulty in sleeping.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Eat something if it causes an upset stomach.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Never take a double dose or extra doses.
• Never change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

Precautions
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• You may need potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects
• Low potassium level. Signs include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; constipation; vomiting; or fast heartbeat.
• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

Things to Watchout For
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Monitor blood pressure regularly.
• Check blood work regularly. Discuss with healthcare provider.

When to call healthcare provider immediately
• Suspicion of overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low potassium.
• Severe dizziness, fainting or passing out.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Significant weight gain.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

Storage
• Keep at room temperature.
• Keep away from light.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.