Bendroflumethiazide

About bendroflumethiazide

Bendroflumethiazide is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. It removes excess water from the body by increasing how much and how often you pass water. Reducing the amount of excess water also reduces the work of the heart, which helps in conditions such as heart failure where the pumping action of the heart is reduced.

Before taking bendroflumethiazide

Before taking bendroflumethiazide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from gout (pain and stiffness in the joints).
• If you have an adrenal gland disorder or Addison's disease.
• If you have diabetes or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• If you know you have low blood potassium, low blood sodium, or high blood calcium.
• If you have problems passing water.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take bendroflumethiazide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take bendroflumethiazide exactly as your doctor has told you to.
• Try to take bendroflumethiazide at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It is usually taken in the morning so that it works during the day and your sleep is not disturbed.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time the following day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and arteries and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. It is important that you take these tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of these.
• Diuretics like bendroflumethiazide help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking bendroflumethiazide.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to do blood tests from time to time.
• Do not stop taking bendroflumethiazide without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you have diabetes this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can bendroflumethiazide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome:

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bendroflumethiazide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Bendroflumethiazide Tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2009, accessed December 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).