BUMETANIDE
(byoo-met'a-nide)
Bumex
Classifications: fluid and water balance agent; loop diuretic
Prototype: Furosemide
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg tablets; 0.25 mg/mL injection

Actions

Sulfonamide derivative structurally related to furosemide and with similar pharmacologic effects. Diuretic activity is 40 times greater, however, and duration of action is shorter than that of furosemide. Causes both potassium and magnesium wastage.

Therapeutic Effects

Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption by direct action on proximal ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Also appears to inhibit phosphate and bicarbonate reabsorption. Produces only mild hypotensive effects at usual diuretic doses.

Uses

Edema associated with CHF; hepatic or renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome. Has been used in management of postoperative and premenstrual edema, edema accompanying disseminated carcinoma, and mild hypertension. May be used concomitantly with a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to bumetanide or to other sulfonamides; anuria, markedly elevated BUN; hepatic coma; severe electrolyte deficiency; lactation. Safety during pregnancy (category C) is not established.

Cautious Use

Hepatic cirrhosis, as history of gout; history of hypersensitivity to furosemide.

Route & Dosage

Edema
Adult: PO 0.5–2 mg once/d, may repeat at 4–5 h intervals if needed (max: 10 mg/d) IV/IM 0.5–1 mg over 1–2 min, repeated q2–3h prn (max: 10 mg/d)
Neonate: PO/IM/IV 0.01–0.05 mg/kg q24–48h
Infant/Child: PO/IM/IV 0.015–0.1 mg/kg q6–24h (max: 10 mg/d)

Administration

Oral
Intramuscular
Intravenous

PREPARE: Direct:  Continuous: Give direct IV undiluted or diluted for infusion with D5W, NS, RL.  

ADMINISTER: Direct: Give IV push at a rate of a single dose over 1–2 min.  Continuous: Use diluted solution and give at prescribed rate.  

INCOMPATIBILITIES Solution/additive: Dobutamine.

Diluted infusion should be used within 24 h after preparation.

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Sweating, hyperventilation, glycosuria. CNS: Dizziness, headache, weakness, fatigue. CV: Hypotension, ECG changes, chest pain, hypovolemia. GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain, GI distress, diarrhea, dry mouth. Metabolic: Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia; hypomagnesemia; decreased calcium, chloride. Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps, muscle pain, stiffness or tenderness; arthritic pain. Special Senses: Ear discomfort, ringing or buzzing in ears, impaired hearing.

Interactions

Drug: aminoglycosides, cisplatin increase risk of ototoxicity; bumetanide increases risk of hypokalemia-induced digoxin toxicity; nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (nsaid) may attenuate diuretic and hypotensive response; probenecid may antagonize diuretic activity; bumetanide may decrease renal elimination of lithium.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Onset: 30–60 min PO; 40 min IV. Peak: 0.5–2 h. Duration: 4–6 h. Distribution: Distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: Partially metabolized in liver. Elimination: 80% excreted in urine in 48 h, 10–20% excreted in feces. Half-Life: 60–90 min.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug