The association constants (k) and binding capacities (np) of bumetanide were
determined in pooled venous blood obtained from adults, venous cord blood of healthy
full-term infants, and critically ill neonates using ultrafiltration. Bumetanide was highly
bound to plasma proteins (approximately 97%) in all three populations studied. Two classes
of binding sites were identified, a high-affinity, low-capacity site with k and np in the order of
10^3 M^-1 and 10^-3 M, respectively, and a low-affinity, high-capacity site with k and np in the
order of 10^2 M^-1 and 10^-2 M, respectively. Binding capacities were similar between the three
groups studied and were larger than the ‘presumed’ therapeutic concentration following
intravenous administration of the drug, which is on the order of 10^-6 M (≤ 0.5 μg/ml).