Effectiveness of bumetanide in nephrotic syndrome: a double-blind crossover study with furosemide

A double-blind crossover study was undertaken to delineate the renal tubular sites of action of bumetanide and to compare its effects upon electrolyte excretion to that of furosemide in six nephrotic patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency. Bumetanide was found to be a potent oral natriuretic agent without producing changes in either GFR or effective renal plasma flow. The natriuresis was associated with inhibition of proximal tubular transport as evidenced by an increased distal delivery (CH2O+CNA+K) and inhibition of sodium transport in the loop of Henle as shown by a fall in CH2O/CH2O+CC1 during sustained water diuresis and an unchanged TCH2O with continued hydropenia. The increases in free-water clearance induced by furosemide and bumetanide were equivalent, but bumetanide produced significantly higher flow rate, greater solute delivery from the proximal tubule, and a greater natriuresis. The data indicate that at the dosages used, bumetanide has a proportionately greater inhibitory effect than furosemide in both the proximal tubule and the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.