Comparison of adverse reactions to bumetanide and furosemide.

In 58 clinical studies, adverse reactions to bumetanide were evaluated in 493 patients and compared with those in 220 patients treated with furosemide. The comparison diuretics were administered to patients with edema secondary to congestive heart failure, and renal and hepatic disease. In addition to observation of clinical variables, laboratory tests were done to evaluate the effects of the diuretics on serum electrolyte levels. The results indicate that bumetanide, as furosemide, is an effective diuretic free of significant adverse effects when administered in doses within the recommended therapeutic dose range. Audiometric studies suggest that bumetanide is possibly safer than furosemide with regard to ototoxicity.