Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionEfficacyUsesSide EffectsWarnings

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Definition

Efficacy

Uses

Side Effects

Warnings

Bumex (bumetanide) and Lasix (furosemide) are both in a drug class called loop diuretics. However, Bumex is forty times more potent than Lasix in those with normal kidney function. It takes 40 mg (milligrams) of Lasix versus 1 mg of Bumex to achieve the same result.

Loop diuretics are strong water pills prescribed for conditions such as congestive heart failure or other conditions that cause excess fluid (edema) in the body.

Bumex and Lasix work to improve symptoms such as:

laflor / Getty Images

man taking blood pressure at home

Main Similarities and Differences

Some similarities between Bumex and Lasix include the following:

Here are some primary differences between these loop diuretics:

Bumex:

Lasix:

Which Is More Effective?

Even though Bumex is more potent than Lasix, determining which one is more effective depends on the underlying condition, the potential user’s medical history, age, and current medications. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider who will determine which treatment is most effective.

Uses of Bumex vs. Lasix

Loop diuretics, such as Bumex and Lasix, are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure, but usually a different type of diuretic—called a thiazide diuretic—is used for the treatment ofhypertension.

Other conditions that cause edema to accumulate in the body, in which Bumex is often used for diuresis (an increase in urine production), include:

Bumex can be given alone or in combination with other diuretics to treat edema. It’s also FDA-approved for use in those who are allergic to Lasix.

Liver cirrhosiscauses fluid (called ascites) to build up in the abdomen. This occurs from a decrease in liver function and an elevation of blood pressure in the liver veins.Lasix is the type of diuretic most commonly given to treat ascites in those with cirrhosis.

Lasix is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients and adults with edema associated with:

Lasix may also be given as an antihypertensive medication to lower blood pressure and when a person is in need of a potent diuretic.

Side Effects of Bumex And Lasix

If you have any common side effects from Bumex or Lasix that don’t subside, or if the side effects are severe, contact your healthcare provider.

If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Bumex, or Lasix, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Boxed Warnings

Lasix and Bumex both have the potential to result in dangerously low levels of electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) and water in the body; low body fluid can lead to dehydration. Very close medical observation is required while taking loop diuretics such as Bumex and Lasix.

Precautions

A contraindication is a situation in which a drug, treatment, or procedure should not be given or performed because it could potentially cause harm.

Contraindications for Bumex include:

Contraindications for Lasix include those with:

In those with severe kidney impairment, cases of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and severe irreversible or reversible hearing impairment have been reported among those taking Lasix with aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamycin) or other ototoxic drugs.

Interactions

Bumex Drug Interactions

Drugs that should not be taken with Bumex include:

Specific drugs that are contraindicated when taking Bumex include:

Drugs that should also be used with caution with Bumex include high blood pressure medications, which may result in blood pressure that is too low. When antihypertensive medications are given with Bumex, this results in a need to lower the dosages of these drugs.

Lasix Drug Interactions

These drugs should be used with caution in combination with Lasix:

Summary

Some differences include potency, duration, onset of action, and use in different age groups. These medications are not for everyone and both have numerous contraindications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting these, or any other medications.

17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.Bumetanide (oral/injection)Brater DC, Day B, Burdette A, Anderson S.Bumetanide and furosemide in heart failure.Kidney International. 1984;26(2):183-189. doi:10.1038/ki.1984.153Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.American College of Gastroenterology.Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis.Aithal GP, Palaniyappan N, China L, et al.Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis.Gut. 2021;70(1):9-29. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321790AccessData.FDA.gov.Lasix (furosemide).National Institutes of Health, DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.MedlinePlus.Furosemide.MedlinePlus.Bumetanide.Corlis, J. Harvard Health.Tips for taking diuretic medications.American Family Physicians.FDA boxed warnings: How to prescribe drugs safely.Prescribers Digital Reference.Furosemide-drug summary.Phipatanakul W, Adkinson N.Cross-reactivity between sulfonamides and loop or thiazide diuretics: is it a theoretical or actual risk?Allergy & Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy Organization. 2000;12(1):0026-0028. doi:10.1027/0838-1925.12.1.26DailyMed.Bumetanide 1 mg tablets.RxList.LASIX.

17 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.Bumetanide (oral/injection)Brater DC, Day B, Burdette A, Anderson S.Bumetanide and furosemide in heart failure.Kidney International. 1984;26(2):183-189. doi:10.1038/ki.1984.153Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.American College of Gastroenterology.Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis.Aithal GP, Palaniyappan N, China L, et al.Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis.Gut. 2021;70(1):9-29. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321790AccessData.FDA.gov.Lasix (furosemide).National Institutes of Health, DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.MedlinePlus.Furosemide.MedlinePlus.Bumetanide.Corlis, J. Harvard Health.Tips for taking diuretic medications.American Family Physicians.FDA boxed warnings: How to prescribe drugs safely.Prescribers Digital Reference.Furosemide-drug summary.Phipatanakul W, Adkinson N.Cross-reactivity between sulfonamides and loop or thiazide diuretics: is it a theoretical or actual risk?Allergy & Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy Organization. 2000;12(1):0026-0028. doi:10.1027/0838-1925.12.1.26DailyMed.Bumetanide 1 mg tablets.RxList.LASIX.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.Bumetanide (oral/injection)Brater DC, Day B, Burdette A, Anderson S.Bumetanide and furosemide in heart failure.Kidney International. 1984;26(2):183-189. doi:10.1038/ki.1984.153Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.American College of Gastroenterology.Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis.Aithal GP, Palaniyappan N, China L, et al.Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis.Gut. 2021;70(1):9-29. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321790AccessData.FDA.gov.Lasix (furosemide).National Institutes of Health, DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.MedlinePlus.Furosemide.MedlinePlus.Bumetanide.Corlis, J. Harvard Health.Tips for taking diuretic medications.American Family Physicians.FDA boxed warnings: How to prescribe drugs safely.Prescribers Digital Reference.Furosemide-drug summary.Phipatanakul W, Adkinson N.Cross-reactivity between sulfonamides and loop or thiazide diuretics: is it a theoretical or actual risk?Allergy & Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy Organization. 2000;12(1):0026-0028. doi:10.1027/0838-1925.12.1.26DailyMed.Bumetanide 1 mg tablets.RxList.LASIX.

Food and Drug Administration.Bumex brand of bumetanide tablets.

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.Bumetanide (oral/injection)

Brater DC, Day B, Burdette A, Anderson S.Bumetanide and furosemide in heart failure.Kidney International. 1984;26(2):183-189. doi:10.1038/ki.1984.153

National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.

American College of Gastroenterology.Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis.

Aithal GP, Palaniyappan N, China L, et al.Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis.Gut. 2021;70(1):9-29. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321790

AccessData.FDA.gov.Lasix (furosemide).

National Institutes of Health, DailyMed.Lasix-furosemide tablet.

MedlinePlus.Furosemide.

MedlinePlus.Bumetanide.

Corlis, J. Harvard Health.Tips for taking diuretic medications.

American Family Physicians.FDA boxed warnings: How to prescribe drugs safely.

Prescribers Digital Reference.Furosemide-drug summary.

Phipatanakul W, Adkinson N.Cross-reactivity between sulfonamides and loop or thiazide diuretics: is it a theoretical or actual risk?Allergy & Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy Organization. 2000;12(1):0026-0028. doi:10.1027/0838-1925.12.1.26

DailyMed.Bumetanide 1 mg tablets.

RxList.LASIX.

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies