Table of Contents
c. How does Bumetanide Treat Edema?
III. Bumetanide for High Blood Pressure
a. What is High Blood Pressure?
b. What Causes High Blood Pressure?
c. How does Bumetanide Treat High Blood Pressure?
What is Bumetanide?
Bumetanide and the brand name Bumex are prescription medications that are used to treat a range of medical conditions. Bumetanide is a popular medication and the brand name and generic alternative combined are taken by over 1.4 million Americans. [1] It is prescribed for conditions including edema, liver disease, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Bumetanide is a diuretic medication. Diuretics are also known as ‘water pills’ because they increase the amount of urine that the body produces in order to remove fluid from the body. Keep reading to learn more about the uses of bumetanide in the treatment of several conditions.
Edema is swelling in the body caused by fluid retention. Previously known as dropsy, edema typically occurs in the legs, ankles, or feet. However, the condition can affect any part of the body, including hands, abdomen, and face. [2] In addition to swelling and puffiness, the symptoms of edema can include stretched skin, shiny skin, and skin that retains a dimple after being firmly pressed. [3] Other symptoms can also occur depending on where the edema is located. Edema of the lungs may cause coughing or breathing problems, while edema in the legs may cause walking difficulties. [4] There are several different types of edema. These include: Lymphedema – This swelling in the arms and legs is usually caused by damaged lymph nodes. Peripheral edema – This swelling typically affects the legs, ankles, and feet. It may be caused by problems in the kidneys, circulatory system, or lymph nodes. Pulmonary edema – This swelling occurs in the lungs making it difficult to breathe. Pedal edema – This swelling typically affects the lower legs and feet and makes it difficult to move. Macular edema – This swelling happens in the eye. Cerebral edema – This swelling occurs in the brain. Edema is caused by tiny blood vessels leaking fluid. These blood vessels are known as capillaries. When the capillaries leak, the excess fluid can build up in muscle tissue, which leads to swelling. Causes of mild edema can include pregnancy, premenstrual symptoms, eating salty food, certain medications, or staying stationary for a long period of time. [3] However, edema may also be caused by more serious health issues. These can include kidney disease, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, liver damage, weakness to veins in the legs, protein deficiency, or an inadequate lymphatic system. [3] There are several different medications used to treat edema, depending on the causes of the condition. Mild edema can usually be left alone. Diuretics such as bumetanide are used to treat more severe edema that is related to liver disease or congestive heart failure. Bumetanide increases the amount of urination from the body. Urinating more allows fluid to flow back into the blood. [5] Having high blood pressure (also called HBP or hypertension) means that the pressure in the arteries is consistently higher than it should be. This forces the heart to work harder in order to pump blood around the body. High blood pressure is very common. Blood pressure is written as two numbers and is measured with two categories; systolic (the top number of the reading) and diastolic (the bottom number). The systolic number measures the amount of force that your heart uses to push out blood. The diastolic number measures the amount of pressure between beats. [6] The American Heart Association estimates that over 100 million adults in the United States may have the condition, although many may not know they have it. [7] High blood pressure can cause more serious conditions. It is the biggest risk factor for stroke and is a major risk factor for heart disease. [6] HBP is sometimes known as a ‘silent killer’ as there may be no obvious symptoms, even for those with dangerously high blood pressure levels. [8] High blood pressure can be split into two groups: primary and secondary hypertension. The causes of these two groups differ. Most adults that have high blood pressure have primary hypertension. There is no known direct cause of primary hypertension and it usually develops over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying health condition. Secondary hypertension usually occurs suddenly and is often more severe than primary hypertension. Causes of secondary hypertension can include kidney problems, thyroid problems, adrenal gland tumors, sleep apnea congenital disabilities, certain medications, or drugs. [8] There are several risk factors that can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure. These include being overweight or obese, being inactive, using tobacco or alcohol, as well as stress and dietary factors. High blood pressure often runs in families and is more common as people get older. The best way to check your blood pressure is by making an appointment with a doctor. It is recommended that you have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have previously been diagnosed with HBP, your doctor may recommend more frequent checks. There are several different types of blood pressure medications. Diuretic medications such as bumetanide are often the first type of medications used to treat high blood pressure. As mentioned, diuretics increase the amount of urine that is produced. This eliminates sodium and water from the body and can reduce the volume of blood. [8] Bumetanide and the brand name Bumex come in strengths of 1mg and 5mg. Like all medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Bumetanide is usually taken once or twice a day. As this medication increases your frequency of urination, it is recommended not to take it within four hours of going to bed. Bumetanide is most effective when it is taken regularly. You should try and take bumetanide at the same time each day. This medication controls edema and high blood pressure but does not cure either condition. If you are taking bumetanide to treat high blood pressure, you should continue taking this medication even when you feel well. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life. The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Bumetanide for Edema?
a. What is Edema?
b. What Causes Edema?
c. How does Bumetanide Treat Edema?
Bumetanide for High Blood Pressure
a. What is High Blood Pressure?
b. What Causes High Blood Pressure?
c. How does Bumetanide Treat High Blood Pressure?
How to Take Bumetanide