Brits taking the diuretic bumetanide are being reminded by the NHS to avoid taking it after 4pm to prevent nighttime bathroom visits. The medication, which increases urine production to remove excess salt and water, is commonly prescribed for heart failure, affecting nearly one million people in the UK.
Bumetanide is available only on prescription in tablet or liquid form, and sometimes combined with another diuretic, amiloride, to treat oedema. The NHS advises taking it once or twice daily, in the morning or afternoon, and warns that taking it after 4pm may cause frequent urination during the night.
Patients are also advised to avoid high-salt foods and the salt substitute Lo Salt, as these can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 100 people, include dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention.
In 2023, a national shortage of bumetanide led many patients to switch to furosemide, which carries similar timing guidance. The NHS urges anyone with concerns to consult their doctor or pharmacist.
