Bumetanide
Bumetanide is a potent loop diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluid and salt through increased urine production. It is primarily prescribed to treat edema (fluid retention) associated with conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disorders.
Bumetanide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid retention and swelling caused by heart, liver, or kidney problems.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C03CA02
- RxNorm
- 1808
- Generic
- Bumetanide
- Class
- atc-c03
- Brands
- Bumex, Enbumyst
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, nasal
- Forms
- injection, tablet, solution, spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.02-0.1mg/kg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid unless benefits outweigh risks; discuss with healthcare provider
regular fetal monitoring, monitor maternal fluid and electrolyte levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use near delivery if possible due to risk of fetal/neonatal toxicity
monitor fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, maternal electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution; small amounts excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose (0.5mg), titrate slowly
monitor renal function and electrolytes closely; higher fall risk
regular monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescents0.02-0.05 mg/kg once daily; max 0.1 mg/kg
use in pediatric patients only when other options inadequate
monitor weight, electrolytes, renal function, growth parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderatemay need reduced dose; monitor response closely
effective in renal impairment; monitor for ototoxicity with high doses
frequent monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, audiometry if prolonged use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse reduced dose; may require higher frequencies
use with extreme caution; monitor closely for adverse effects
strict monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeuse with caution; may need dose reduction
may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy; use lowest effective dose
monitor liver function, electrolytes, mental status, fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Bumetanide
Drug class
ATC Classification: C03CA01
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Treats edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, and renal disease. May also be used for hypertension when other treatments are inadequate.
Works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2) in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney, preventing reabsorption of these electrolytes and promoting water excretion.
May cause electrolyte imbalances including low potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. Can lead to dehydration and changes in blood pressure. Patients should have kidney function and electrolytes monitored regularly. May interact with other diuretics, digoxin, and certain antibiotics.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy