BUMETANIDE, A NEW POTENT DIURETIC

Abstract

Abstract Bumetanide, a new compound with diuretic action, has been evaluated in 106 patients with congestive heart failure. Bumetanide was found to be a very potent natriuretic and diuretic agent with a rapid onset and a short duration of action. Bumetanide natriuresis was associated with an increased urinary output of potassium and chloride and a trend to development of hypokalemia, hypochloraemia and metabolic alkalosis. Bumetanide was able to decrease renal‐diluting and renal‐concentrating abilities and has apparently a site of action in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. In comparative short‐term and long‐term studies bumetanide proved to be equipotent with furosemide at one‐fortieth of its molar dosage. On continued daily administration for several months and with supplements of potassium chloride or spironolactone, bumetanide produced effective diuresis with minimal changes in blood chemistry, haematological status or liver function. Like other saluretics it caused a tendency to hyperuricaemia, but it did not provoke gouty arthritis or diabetes mellitus. Bumetanide is very well tolerated and is one of the most potent diuretics available to‐day.