Indapamide side effect. Indapamide: Uses, Side Effects, and Important Safety Information

31.10.202123.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of indapamide. How does indapamide work to treat high blood pressure. What precautions should be taken when using indapamide. When should you seek immediate medical attention while taking indapamide.

Содержание

Understanding Indapamide: A Versatile Medication for Blood Pressure and Fluid Retention

Indapamide is a widely prescribed medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics, often referred to as “water pills.” This versatile drug plays a crucial role in managing high blood pressure and reducing excess fluid retention in the body. Let’s explore the key aspects of indapamide, its uses, and important considerations for patients.

Primary Uses of Indapamide

Indapamide serves two primary purposes in medical treatment:

Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
Reducing edema (fluid retention) associated with heart failure

By effectively lowering blood pressure, indapamide contributes to the prevention of serious health complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Its ability to reduce fluid retention can alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling in the ankles or feet, which are common in heart failure patients.

How Does Indapamide Work?

The mechanism of action for indapamide is primarily diuretic in nature. It works by stimulating the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps the body eliminate excess salt and water. This process not only reduces overall fluid volume in the body but also helps relax blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure.

Proper Administration and Dosage Guidelines for Indapamide

To ensure the safe and effective use of indapamide, it’s essential to follow proper administration guidelines:

Take indapamide orally, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider
The typical dosage is once daily, usually in the morning
Avoid taking indapamide too close to bedtime to prevent nighttime urination disrupting sleep

Always adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never double up on doses to catch up.

Common Side Effects of Indapamide: What to Expect and How to Manage

While indapamide is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. Understanding these potential reactions can help you manage them effectively:

Mild Skin Rash

A mild skin rash is reported in more than 1 in 100 people taking indapamide. If you develop a rash, consult your doctor promptly, as your treatment plan may need adjustment.

Nausea and Vomiting

To manage nausea or vomiting associated with indapamide:

Take the medication after a meal
Stick to simple foods and avoid rich or spicy meals
Stay hydrated by drinking water or clear fluids in small, frequent sips

If nausea persists or vomiting occurs frequently for more than a week, consult your healthcare provider.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

To cope with feelings of dizziness or faintness:

Sit or lie down until the sensation passes
Avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery while experiencing dizziness
Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure

If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.

Serious Side Effects and When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While rare, indapamide can cause serious side effects in some individuals. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential reactions and know when to seek immediate medical attention:

Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)

If you experience palpitations or an irregular heartbeat while taking indapamide, contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately.

Signs of Pancreatitis

Watch for symptoms such as:

Severe, sudden stomach pain
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
High fever
Abdominal tenderness or swelling

These could indicate pancreatitis, a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.

Liver Disease Indicators

Be alert for signs of liver problems, including:

Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Dark urine
Pale stools
Unusual fatigue
Loss of appetite

If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Allergic Reactions to Indapamide: Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis

Although rare, indapamide can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some individuals. Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis is crucial for prompt intervention:

Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
Skin discoloration (blue, grey, or pale)
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
Loss of consciousness

If you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms while taking indapamide, call emergency services (999 in the UK) immediately. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical treatment.

Long-term Use of Indapamide: Monitoring and Precautions

Patients on long-term indapamide therapy require regular monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment:

Regular Check-ups and Tests

Your healthcare provider will schedule periodic appointments to:

Check your blood pressure
Perform blood tests to assess electrolyte balance (calcium, sodium, and potassium levels)
Evaluate kidney function

The frequency of these check-ups may vary based on factors such as dosage changes, side effects, and other health conditions or medications.

Electrolyte Imbalance Awareness

Indapamide can affect the balance of electrolytes in your body. Be aware of symptoms that may indicate an imbalance, such as:

Muscle weakness or cramps
Irregular heartbeat
Fatigue
Confusion

Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Drug Interactions and Precautions with Indapamide

To ensure safe use of indapamide, it’s important to be aware of potential drug interactions and take necessary precautions:

Medications That May Interact with Indapamide

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, especially:

Other blood pressure medications
Lithium
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Digoxin
Certain antidepressants

These medications may interact with indapamide, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.

Special Precautions for Certain Conditions

Exercise caution when using indapamide if you have:

Liver disease
Kidney problems
Gout
Diabetes
Lupus

Discuss these conditions with your healthcare provider to determine if indapamide is appropriate for you and if any dosage adjustments are necessary.

Lifestyle Considerations While Taking Indapamide

Adopting certain lifestyle habits can enhance the effectiveness of indapamide and minimize potential side effects:

Dietary Recommendations

Consider the following dietary adjustments:

Limit salt intake to help control blood pressure
Consume potassium-rich foods to maintain electrolyte balance
Stay well-hydrated, but avoid excessive fluid intake

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can complement the blood pressure-lowering effects of indapamide. However:

Start any new exercise regimen gradually
Be aware of potential dizziness, especially when starting treatment
Stay hydrated during exercise

Alcohol Consumption

Moderate your alcohol intake while taking indapamide, as it can:

Enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect, potentially leading to dizziness
Increase the risk of dehydration

Always consult your healthcare provider regarding safe alcohol consumption while on indapamide.

By understanding the proper use, potential side effects, and important considerations associated with indapamide, patients can maximize the benefits of this medication while minimizing risks. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring safe and effective long-term use of indapamide in managing hypertension and fluid retention.

Side effects of indapamide – NHS

Common side effects

These common side effects of indapamide happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Mild skin rash

If you get a mild rash, speak to your doctor for advice as your treatment may need to be changed.

Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Try taking indapamide after a meal. Try to stick to simple foods and avoid rich or spicy meals. Drink water or squash in small, frequent sips so you do not get dehydrated.

Speak to your doctor if you feel sick or are being sick frequently, or are unable to drink properly for more than a week.

If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick (vomit) your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.

Feeling dizzy or faint

Try sitting or lying down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery while you’re feeling dizzy.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are usually rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Tell your doctor or call 111 straight away if you:

get an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
get a severe stomach pain that develops suddenly, along with feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, a high temperature, and tenderness or swelling of your stomach – these could be signs of pancreatitis
feel or start being sick, get yellow eyes or skin, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin, have dark pee, pale poo, tiredness and loss of appetite – these could be signs of liver disease

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, indapamide may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and cannot be woken up
a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Long-term side effects

If you are taking indapamide for a long time, you will occasionally have to see your doctor or nurse to get your blood pressure checked and have blood and urine tests. This is to make sure the salts (calcium, sodium and potassium) in your blood are balanced properly and your kidneys are working well.

How often you’ll need these tests will depend on the reason you’re taking indapamide, whether your dose has changed recently, whether you get side effects from indapamide, or if you have any other health problems or are taking other medicines.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of indapamide. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 4 March 2022

Next review due: 4 March 2025

Indapamide Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Indapamide is also used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by heart failure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Indapamide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/”water pills.” It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.

How to use Indapamide

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take indapamide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 hours after these medications.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

Dizziness or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Indapamide may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat, confusion, decreased urination.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decrease in vision, eye pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking indapamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, gout, kidney problems, liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you have diabetes, this product may increase your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may decrease your level of potassium in the blood. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as potassium levels, kidney function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

Check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to check your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.