Indapamide is a type of medicine called a diuretic which is used to treat high blood pressure. It can also be used to decrease the extra fluid which is caused by heart failure.
Indapamide works by increasing the body's production of urine, allowing it to flush out excess fluids and salts. This helps to reduce the blood pressure and ease symptoms like swollen ankles and shortness of breath.
Indapamide will start to work within 2 hours but it will usually take a week for it to have a noticeable effect. High blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms so you may not feel any different after taking Indapamide. This does not mean that the medication isn't working.
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, puts additional strain on your heart, blood vessels and organs, making it harder for blood to be pumped around the body. This can increase your risk of experiencing serious conditions like:
Heart disease
Heart attacks
Strokes
Heart failure
Peripheral arterial disease
Aortic aneurysms
Kidney disease
Vascular dementia
Taking medication to get your blood pressure under control will lower your risk of experiencing any of these conditions.
There are a number of factors which can cause high blood pressure, or put you at risk of it. These include:
Being overweight
Smoking
Having a family history of high blood pressure
Being over the age of 65
Individuals of African or Caribbean origin
Eating too much salt
Not eating enough fruit or vegetables
Lack of exercise
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine-based drinks
Poor quality of sleep
Underlying health conditions can trigger high blood pressure:
Kidney disease
Kidney infections
Diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Glomerulonephritis
Underactive or overactive thyroid
Cushing's syndrome
Acromegaly
Phaeochromocytoma
Lupus
Scleroderma
Certain medications can also increase your blood pressure. These include:
The combined contraceptive
Steroids
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
Certain cold and cough remedies
Herbal remedies containing liquorice
Recreational drugs
Some types of Selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants)
The active ingredient in Indapamide is Indapamide hemihydrate.
The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, macrogol 400 and titanium dioxide.
It is likely that you will need to take Indapamide long term. Many individuals will take it for the rest of their lives.
Indapamide is designed for long term use so it's safe to use in this way. You will need to see your GP or nurse regularly for check ups to make sure the medication is working correctly.
Indapamide is usually taken once a day in the morning. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food.
Each Indapamide tablet contains a 2.5mg dose which is usually taken once a day.
If you forget to take Indapamide, miss out the forgotten tablet and take the next one as usual. Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much Indapamide seek medical assistance right away. Take the medication with you so that the hospital know what it is you have taken.
Common side effects may include:
Raised skin rash
Allergic skin reactions
Uncommon side effects may include:
Vomiting
Purpura
Rare side effects may include:
Tiredness
Headaches
Vertigo
Pins and needles
Constipation
Dry mouth
Heart palpitations
Low blood pressure
Kidney disease
Changes in blood cells
Heightened level of calcium in the blood
Fainting
Visual impairment
Dizziness
Hepatitis
Low potassium in the blood
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek immediate medical assistance and stop taking the medication:
Angioedema (swollen skin around the eyes, mouth, hands or feet)
Severe skin reactions
Flu-like symptoms or fever
An Irregular heartbeat
Severe abdominal pain
Abnormal liver function
Tell your doctor if you experience:
Weakness, tiredness and confusion with aching or stiff muscles
Irritability and muscle twitching
A rash which is itchy and lumpy which may accompany a headache, sore throat and high temperature
Increased level of infections or bruising
Increased hunger, thirst and weight loss
Do not take Indapamide if:
You are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication
You have severe kidney disease
You have severe liver disease
You have hypokalaemia
Talk to your doctor if:
You have diabetes
You have gout
You have kidney problems
You have an overactive thyroid
You have liver problems
You have previously experienced photosensitivity
The following medications may interfere with the way Indapamide works. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
Lithium
Medications to treat heart rhythm problems
Bepridil
Stimulant laxatives
Medications used to treat mental health conditions
Sparfloxacin
Moxifloxacin
Erythromycin
Vincamine by injection
Pentamidine
Halofantrine
Mizolastine
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments for pain relief
High doses of Aspirin
ACE inhibitors
Amphotericin B by injection
Oral corticosteroids
Baclofen
Amiloride
Spironolactone
Triamterene
Metformin
Iodinated contrast media
Calcium tablets
Ciclosporin
Tacrolimus
Tetracosactide
Cisapride
Diphemanil
It's best to avoid alcohol when you first start taking Indapamide as alcohol can lower your blood pressure and increase the effect of the medication. Once you have got used to the medication you may be able to drink alcohol in moderation. Drinking large quantities can affect your blood pressure, causing dehydration and dizziness.
Indapamide is not recommended during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant or if you are trying to start a family.
Indapamide can make you feel dizzy and tired which can affect your reactions while driving. This will usually happen when you first start taking the medication. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have got used to the medication and know how it affects you.
Indapamide will not have an impact on your fertility but if you are trying to get pregnant then this medication may not be suitable.
Indapamide will not affect hormonal contraceptives. The combined pill is not usually suitable for women with high blood pressure however so it's important that you discuss this with your doctor if you are taking the pill.
Bendroflumethiazide is a diuretic which works in the same way as Indapamide to treat high blood pressure. There are four other types of medicines given to treat high blood pressure:
ACE inhibitors- these work by relaxing the blood vessels to make it easier for the blood to flow. These will usually be prescribed in the first instance for patients under the age of 55
ARBs (Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers)- These also relax the blood vessels and are predominantly prescribed for patients over 55 or those of an African or Caribbean ethnicity
Calcium channel blockers- these work by widening the blood vessels to lower the blood pressure
Beta-blockers- These are usually prescribed if other treatments haven't been successful and work by slowing the heart rate
Everyone with high blood pressure is encouraged to make lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and lower their blood pressure. This includes:
Eating a low salt diet with a maximum of 6g per day
Eating a healthy diet with at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
Exercise regularly
Reduce alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Cut down on caffeine
Get plenty of sleep
These changes can help you to prevent high blood pressure from occurring and reduce your need for medication.
NHS> Indapamide https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/indapamide/
Patient Information Leaflets https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4188/pil
NHS> High Blood Pressure https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/prevention/
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