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Bumex Uses

Bumex uses involve the treatment of water retention that is caused by several conditions, such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease. The medication helps the body get rid of extra fluid by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. Off-label Bumex uses include the treatment of hypercalcemia and the treatment of high blood pressure.

 

An Overview of Bumex Uses

Bumex® (bumetanide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat water retention (edema) caused by various conditions, including:
 
 

Bumex Uses for Water Retention

One common cause of water retention is congestive heart failure (CHF). Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms that include shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; and rapid weight gain (see Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure).
 
Bumex can help with water retention by helping the body to get rid of the extra fluid. However, the drug does not cure congestive heart failure or other conditions that cause the body to retain fluid.
 
There are many other causes of fluid retention, including kidney failure (renal failure) and cirrhosis of the liver. Bumex can be used to treat fluid retention due to these conditions as well. The medication is especially useful for people allergic to Lasix® (furosemide), a similar diuretic. Most people who are allergic to Lasix will not be allergic to Bumex.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;