What is Bumex?

Bumex is an oral tablet made up of a diuretic called bumetanide. This tablet is usually yellow, green/blue, or white, but colors can vary based on dose and if it’s generic or brand name. We carry both the brand name (Bumex) and the generic alternative made from the same active ingredient as Bumex (bumetanide).  Both are available for purchase in 1mg and 5mg doses.

What is Bumex used for?

Bumex is used to reduce edema (extra fluid in the body) caused by a variety of conditions but most commonly from heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease. Symptoms of these conditions include swelling in the arms, legs and abdomen, as well as a shortness of breath.

How does Bumex work?

Bumetanide in Bumex help treat these symptoms by causing frequent urination which results in less fluids in your body.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

This medication is taken by mouth once or twice a day, whatever your doctor decides.

Since this medication is a diuretic (water pill) it will cause you to urinate often; avoid taking this pill before bed.

Dose is based on your medical condition as well as your response to treatment.

Take this medication around the same time every day to ensure there is a routine so doses won’t be missed.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.

Tell your doctor 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).

Or if you have 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. Bumex has not been approved for the use of patients under the age of 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

This drug could affect blood sugar in those with diabetes.

Older patients may be more vulnerable to side effects.

You may need to eat a high potassium diet when taking Bumex as it has been known to reduce potassium levels.

Common side effects include:

muscle cramps; dizziness; low blood pressure; nausea; or headache.

Serious side effects (contact your doctor) include:

hearing problems; confusion, hallucinations, problems with thought or memory; trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you; unusual weakness; twitching, or a seizure; weak or shallow breathing; easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

Signs to watch out for:

Low magnesium: dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling Low potassium: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling Dehydration: feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

What is bumetanide?

Bumetanide is the active ingredient found inside Bumex (Burinex), a brand-name prescription medication. It is the drug that allows the medication to be therapeutically effective. Bumetanide belongs to the drug class called diuretics, specifically a potent loop diuretic; these types of drugs have an effect on blood pressure. This medication is available as a generic alternative and can be purchased at My Drug Center with a valid prescription.

What is bumetanide used for?

Bumetanide is used for both hypertension and edema. Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) can help prevent further health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Edema is often a result of high blood pressure, but can also be a result of other conditions (such as liver or kidney disease); treating edema can help reduce swelling as well as symptoms like shortness of breath.

What is the difference between Lasix and Bumex?

Though these loop diuretics are very similar, they do present some differences as well. The biggest difference is the type of loop diuretic that make up the medications; Lasix contains furosemide while Bumex contains bumetanide. Another difference can be found within price; Lasix is generally less expensive than Bumex. Other minor differences can be found within the half-life, total number of drug interactions, and available strengths. However, there may be more differences between Lasix and Bumex not mentioned here.