Drug interactions
Bumetanide + Lily of the valley
Severity: Major
Bumetanide and Lily of the valley: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and the hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia produced by bumetanide sensitize the myocardium to glycoside toxicity. This could provoke serious arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bumetanide and Lily of the valley 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
Diuretic-induced potassium and magnesium depletion enhances cardiac glycoside arrhythmogenicity.
What to do
Avoid use of lily of the valley preparations. If exposure occurs, check serum potassium, magnesium and ECG and correct deficits.
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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References
Other interactions of Bumetanide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bumetanide with Lily of the valley?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bumetanide and Lily of the valley 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. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and the hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia produced by bumetanide sensitize the myocardium to glycoside toxicity. This could provoke serious arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Bumetanide and Lily of the valley?
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 use of lily of the valley preparations. If exposure occurs, check serum potassium, magnesium and ECG and correct deficits.
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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