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About bumetanide

Bumetanide is a type of medicine called a diuretic. It's used to treat heart failure and the build up of fluid in your body (oedema).

Diuretics are sometimes called "water tablets" because they make you pee more. This helps get rid of extra fluid in your body.

Bumetanide is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.

Bumetanide also comes mixed with another diuretic called amiloride to treat oedema.

Key facts

  • You'll usually take bumetanide once a day, in the morning or afternoon – or twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.
  • Most people need to pee about 30 minutes after taking bumetanide, and again within a few hours.
  • Avoid foods that have a lot of salt in them (processed foods or ready-meals), and the salt substitute, Lo Salt. It can affect how your medicine works.
  • Do not take bumetanide after 4pm or you may have to wake up in the night to go to the toilet.
  • You can take bumetanide with or without food.

Page last reviewed: 7 February 2022
Next review due: 7 February 2025