Indications - Bumetanide is indicated for the treatment of edema associated with- Congestive heart failure, Hepatic ascites and, Renal disease including the nephrotic syndrome

Dosage & Administration - Oral: 1 mg in the morning , repeated after 6-8 hours if necessary, In severe cases , 5 mg daily increased by 5 mg every 12-24 hours according to response. Elderly , 500 micrograms daily may be sufficient. Parenteral: By IV Injection: 1-2 mg, repeated after 20 minutes if necessary. Elderly, 500 micrograms (1 ml of Bumetanide) daily may be sufficient. By IV Infusion: 2-5 mg over 30-60 minutes.Elderly, 500 micrograms (1 ml of Bumetanide) daily may be sufficient. By IM Injection: 1 mg initially then adjusted according to response , Elderly 500 micrograms (1 ml of Bumetanide) daily may be sufficient.

Side Effects - The side effects of Bumetanide include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, postural hypotension and gastrointestinal symptoms. Various skin reactions, photosensitivity reactions and metabolic disturbances, including reduced glucose tolerance are less frequent. Electrolyte disturbances can occur especially during long term treatment.

Contraindications - Loop diuretics should be avoided in severe hypokalaemia, severe hyponatraemia, anuria, comatose and precomatose states associated with liver cirrhosis and in renal failure.

Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant woman. It is not known wheather this drug is excreted in human milk.