Bumetanide: A preliminary report of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in oedema.

Bumetanide2 is a new diuretic with a rapid onset and short duration of action. It is advocated for the treatment of oedema of cardiac origin; that associated with cirrhosis of the liver and renal diseases, including the nephrotic syndrome oedema of pregnancy and in pulmonary oedema. Bumetanide produces a pattern of water and electrolyte excretion closely resembling that of frusemide although it differs structurally from frusemide and other diuretics. 1 mg of bumetanide produces a diuretic effect similar to that evoked by 40 to 60 mg of frusemide. Short-and long-term studies in oedema of varying aetiology have shown bumetanide to be an effective diuretic. Because it is chemically different from existing diuretics, bumetanide may be helpful in oedema resistant to other drugs. It is well tolerated, but like other natriuretics it causes hypericaemia and may cause hypokalaemia during long-term administration.