BUMEX is indicated whenever diuretic therapy is required in the treatment of oedema, e.g. that associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease including the nephrotic syndrome.
In oedema of cardiac or renal origin where high doses of a potent short acting diuretic are required, Burinex 5 mg tablets may be used.
BUMEX (Bumetanide) belongs to a group of medications called the loop diuretics. Loop diuretics act in the kidney to remove excess water from the blood, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood causes a decrease in the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This drop in fluid volume decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body.
There are many conditions which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). Bumex (Bumetanide) is commonly used in conditions such as heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, such as the shortness of breath seen with fluid on the lungs.
At higher doses the amount of water drawn from the blood into the urine is much greater, therefore bumetanide is also used when there is reduced production of urine in patients with kidney failure.
Bumetanide is also used to remove excess fluid associated with liver failure, hypertension, and poor circulation in the periphery (ie. arms and legs).
What is it used for? Excess fluid retention causing swelling (oedema) due to any cause.
It is recommended that salt (electrolyte) levels in the blood should be monitored while taking this medicine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine you should inform your doctor promptly, so that the amount of fluids and salts in your body can be checked: thirst, lethargy, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, scanty production of urine, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, nausea and vomiting.
As diuretics cause your kidneys to produce more urine, you may prefer to take this medicine in the morning rather than before going to bed, as this will reduce the likelihood of you needing to get up in the night to visit the toilet. Seek further advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Use with caution in: Chronic kidney failure, Deficiency in the concentration of salts in the blood (electrolyte deficiency), Diabetes, Elderly people, Gout, Liver failure, Low volume of circulating blood (hypovolaemia),
Not to be used in: Children under 12 years of age, High blood uric acid level (hyperuricaemia), Kidney failure resulting in diminished production of urine (oliguria), Kidney failure, preventing production of urine (anuria),
Liver disease that is causing the patient to become unconscious (precomatose state), Severely low concentrations of salts in the blood (severe electrolyte depletion).
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
This medicine should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it may produce birth defects (teratogenesis). Seek medical advice from your doctor.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.