Indapamide

Generic Name : Indapamide

TradeName : Lorvas, Natrilix SR, Diurix, Divret, Indi Iontin, Perifer

Overview : It acts by reducing total peripheral resistance. It is postulated that it acts by interfering with calcium ion influx into smooth muscle cells. The medication comes in the form of 1.5 & 2.5 mg tablets.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Indapamide, a water pill, is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by heart disease. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors. Indapamide should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

When it is to be taken : Indapamide usually is taken once a day, in the morning. You may have to take this medication for several weeks before enjoying its full effects.

How it should be taken : Indapamide comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take each time.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly. Blood tests must be done occasionally.
2. Do not stop taking indapamide without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. Indapamide can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
4. Special dietary instructions should be followed, such as a low-salt or low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, postassium-rich foods, and potassium-containing salt substitutes.
5. Take only your regular dose at the next scheduled time. Indapamide is most effective in controlling blood pressure when taken regularly. Take the medication after breakfast.
6. Inform your doctor if you have severe hepatic insufficiency or renal impairement. Patient with history of allergy to sulfonamide derivatives should be closely monitored.
7. Use with caution in case of pregnancy, lactation and old age.

Side Effects :
1. Frequent urination. This problem should disappear after you take this drug for a few weeks.
2. Muscle pain or cramps, weakness, thrist, dry mouth, upset stomach, fast or irregular heartbeat. Be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if prescribed.
3. Nausea, stomach irritation, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea or constipation, loss of appetite.
4. Headache, dizziness, tiredness,drowsiness, numbness or tingling of the feet or hands, mood changes, insomnia, decreased sexual ability, blurred vision. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist; your medication may have to be changed.
5. Lightheadness when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly.
6. Skin rash, itching, hives. Contact your doctor immediately.
7. Nausea, epigastric distress, fatigue, weakness, hypervricaemia, hypokalemic muscle cramps are the side effects.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take indapamide, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, diabetes, gout, kidney, thyroid, parathyroid, liver disease, systemic lupus erthematosus or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
2. Inform your doctor about the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Do not take any othe drugs, including nonprescription drugs, without consulting your doctor.
3. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about the medications.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

Drug Interactions :
The medicine interacts with digitalis, frosemide, sulphonyl ureas, chlorpropanidle, metoclopramide, NSAIDs.
Lithium, digoxin, and certain other drugs may be affected by this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of direct sunlight. Store it at room temperature and out of the reach of children.