Bumetanide—acute and long term studies of a new high potency diuretic

• Published in: Postgraduate medical journal Vol. 51; no. 591; pp. 10 - 14
• Main Authors: Murdoch, W. R., Auld, W. H. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine 01.01.1975; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Aged; Bicarbonates - blood; Bumetanide - pharmacology; Chlorides - blood; Creatinine - blood; Diuresis - drug effects; Diuretics - pharmacology; Edema, Cardiac - drug therapy; Female; Furosemide - pharmacology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Potassium - blood; Sodium - blood; Urea - blood
• ISSN: 0032-5473; 1469-0756
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.51.591.10

The properties of a new diuretic, bumetanide, were investigated in ten normal volunteers, and sixty-eight patients with fluid retention. It had a rapid action virtually complete in 4 hr with an effect on water and electrolyte excretion similar to that of frusemide. It was highly potent, 1 mg producing an effect comparable to 48 mg frusemide in normal subjects, and about 40 mg in oedematous subjects in controlled short-term experiments. In long-term studies in forty-eight patients extending over periods up to 51 weeks it was found to be effective in controlling oedema. There was a low incidence of electrolyte complications and no other biochemical abnormalities or haematological complications were attributed to the drug. Bumetanide was well tolerated by patients. A drug rash was observed in two cases.