The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide in normal subjects.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide (1 mg) administered either orally or intravenously were studied in a group of normal subjects using high-pressure liquid chromatography. A two-compartment model adequately fitted the intravenous data. Renal clearance (85 ml min-1) contributed 65% to the total elimination of bumetanide irrespective of whether a model-dependent or model-independent method was used. Oral administration of bumetanide elicited a greater and a more prolonged pharmacological response than did intravenous bumetanide. An attempt is made to relate the pharmacokinetics of the drug to its pharmacodynamics.