Indapamide

Introduction To Indapamide

Indapamide is a diuretic (water pill) medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It also reduces excess fluid levels in the body and treats edema (fluid overload) associated with heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease.

Indapamide makes you lose excess water through urine. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. This medicine should be taken only during day time to avoid frequent urination at night. You must take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor and never stop it abruptly without consulting the doctor. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse.

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to reduce your salt intake.

Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, and dizziness. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you. Before taking this medicine, it is better to let your doctor know if you are suffering from any kidney or liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before taking it. You must inform the doctor about all the other medicines that you are taking apart from this medicine. Regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes is important while using this medicine.

Uses of Indapamide

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Treatment of Edema

Benefits of Indapamide

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Indapamide is known as a water pill, which increases urine output thereby lowering blood pressure. If your blood pressure is controlled, you are less at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.

Treatment of Edema
Edema is caused by your body retaining too much water. Indapamide helps get rid of the extra water and electrolytes from your body by increasing the amount of urine produced. This enables your body to get rid of extra water thereby relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, or abdomen. Therefore, you can carry out your daily activities more comfortably. Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes to get maximum benefits.

Side effects of Indapamide

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Carelix

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Gastrointesinal symptoms
  • Muscle cramp

How to use Indapamide

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Indapamide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Indapamide works

Indapamide is a thiazide diuretic. It lowers blood pressure by removing the extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.

Quick tips

  • It makes you feel dizzy. Avoid driving and attention requiring activity until you know how it affects you.

  • Avoid alcohol intake while taking Indapamide as it may increase the dizziness.

  • It may cause a sudden drop of sodium level in blood. Avoid low sodium diet while you are taking this medication.

  • Monitor your blood pressure after starting Indapamide, and notify your doctor if it does not lower down.

  • Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weakness that does not go away.

  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Indapamide if I’m pregnant?

Indapamide is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Indapamide if I’m breastfeeding?

Indapamide is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Indapamide safe?

Indapamide may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Indapamide?

Indapamide may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Indapamide if I have/had kidney diseases?

Indapamide should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Indapamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Indapamide if I have/had liver diseases?

Indapamide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Indapamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can Indapamide cause gout?

Use of Indapamide may impact the patients already diagnosed with gout. Inform your doctor if you have gout before starting Indapamide. The reason being, this medicine can increase the levels of uric acid in blood in these patients. Such patients may experience episodes of gout while on Indapamide. Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of uric acid.

Q. Can Indapamide increase blood sugar?

Indapamide may increase blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes as your insulin requirements may change or the dose of your antidiabetic medicines may need modification. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in diabetes patients taking Indapamide.

Q. Does Indapamide make you sleepy?

No, Indapamide does not make you sleepy. But, if there is excessive loss of salts (hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, or electrolyte imbalance), then it may make you drowsy. Other warning signals of electrolyte imbalance include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, fatigue, lethargy, restlessness, muscle pain or cramps. Electrolyte imbalance may also lead to decreased urine output, increased heart beat and decreased blood pressure. In case you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Q. Does Indapamide make you urinate more?

Use of Indapamide tend to increase the frequency of urination in some patients. Indapamide belongs to thiazide class of medicines which are diuretics. These medicines make your body get rid of extra fluid through your kidneys. This also increases the amount of salts (sodium and potassium) and water that you get rid off from the body, helping in decreasing the blood pressure.

Q. How long does it take Indapamide to start working?

The action of Indapamide is gradual. While the initial effects may be seen within a week, it may take several months to experience the full benefits.

Q. Can I take Indapamide for weight loss?

No, Indapamide is not a medicine for weight loss. This medicine is used to lower high blood pressure and to reduce fluid overload in cases of heart failure. In case you experience weight loss while taking Indapamide, it may be due to fluid loss and not due to body fat.

Q. Is it safe to take Indapamide if I am ill?

If you are sick or have fever with sweating or are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your doctor. To cope up with these, you may be advised to stop Indapamide for 2-3 days and continue it after you are well. The reason being, if you are sick, then there can be electrolyte imbalance. Taking Indapamide may enhance this imbalance. Therefore, it should be stopped for 2-3 days.

Q. How much fluid should I drink while taking Indapamide?

It is usually best to drink normal amounts of fluids while taking Indapamide. It is important not to remain thirsty for long periods and to keep yourself hydrated. If you have heart failure or kidney failure, then you need to restrict your fluid intake after discussing with your doctor.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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