Dosage and strength
Bumetanide is available as 1mg and 5mg tablets and a liquid containing 1mg in 5ml.
The usual dose for adults to treat heart failure or a build up of fluid in the body (oedema) is 1mg to 10mg a day.
If you are over 65 your doctor may give you a lower dose.
For babies and children, your doctor will use your child's weight or age to work out the right dose.
How to take it
You'll usually take bumetanide once a day in the morning or afternoon. If your doctor prescribes it twice a day, take it once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
You do not need to take bumetanide at the same time every day. You can occasionally take it at a different time if it's more convenient for you. For example, you could take it later if you need to go out for a few hours in the morning and will not be near a toilet.
Do not take bumetanide too late in the day (after 4pm) or at night, otherwise you may have to wake up to go to the toilet. Your pharmacist or doctor will advise the best times for you to take your medicine.
You can take bumetanide with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
If you're taking bumetanide as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
How long to take it for
Depending on the reason why you're taking bumetanide, you may have to take it for a long time, even for the rest of your life.
If you get ill while taking it
Contact your doctor if:
- you're ill with a a high temperature
- you're sweating and shaking
- you're being sick (vomiting) or have severe diarrhoea
Your doctor may recommend you stop taking bumetanide for 1 to 2 days until you are better. You can start taking it again when you're eating and drinking normally.
If you take bumetanide when you have an illness that makes you dehydrated, it can make the dehydration worse.
If you forget to take it
Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it is after 4pm. If this happens, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.
Stopping bumetanide
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking bumetanide. Stopping it may cause fluid to build up in your body.
If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine.
If you take too much
Taking too much bumetanide can cause headaches, make you feel dizzy, give you a pounding or irregular heartbeat, make you faint, and make you feel thirsty.
The amount of bumetanide that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
you take more than your prescribed dose of bumetanide. This is very important if you:
- feel unwell
- are over 65 (even if you feel well)
- have liver, kidney or heart problems (even if you feel well)
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need advice for a child under the age of 5, call 111.
If you have to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you. Take the bumetanide packet, and the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.