Intramuscular Bumetanide and Furosemide in Congestive Heart Failure

Bumetanide is a potent loop diuretic that acts at the ascending loop of Henle and proximal renal tubule blocking sodium reabsorption. In a study of 20 patient with congestive heart failure, using the intramuscular route, 40 mg furosemide was compared with 1 mg bumetanide. Both diuretics induced prompt diuresis and solute loss of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. In the dosages used in this protocol, furosemide was somewhat more effective than bumetanide with respect to total urine volume and the amounts of solutes excreted into the urine, and acted more rapidly. No serious side effects were observed in either group.