Drug interactions
Bumetanide + Carbenoxolone
Severity: Major
Bumetanide and Carbenoxolone: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity causing sodium retention and potassium loss, which adds to bumetanide-induced hypokalemia. Severe hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias and muscle weakness, and the sodium retention may oppose the diuretic effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bumetanide and Carbenoxolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive renal potassium wasting, with carbenoxolone causing mineralocorticoid-like sodium retention through inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or monitor serum potassium closely and replace potassium as required. Consider a potassium-sparing diuretic if both drugs must be continued.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Bumetanide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bumetanide with Carbenoxolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bumetanide and Carbenoxolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity causing sodium retention and potassium loss, which adds to bumetanide-induced hypokalemia. Severe hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias and muscle weakness, and the sodium retention may oppose the diuretic effect.
How serious is the interaction between Bumetanide and Carbenoxolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or monitor serum potassium closely and replace potassium as required. Consider a potassium-sparing diuretic if both drugs must be continued.
What other medicines interact with Bumetanide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bumetanide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Bumetanide page.
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