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Indapamide

  • Indapamide works by making you pass water more frequently.
  • Take your dose in the morning.

About indapamide

Type of medicineDiuretic
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Also calledNatrilix®
Ethibide® XL
Indipam® XL
Natrilix® SR
Rawel® XL
Tensaid® XL
Varbim® XL
Coversyl® Arginine Plus (indapamide with perindopril arginine)
Available asTablets
Modified release tablets (indapamide is released more slowly to give an even effect)

Indapamide is a diuretic (often referred to as a water tablet) and is used to treat high blood pressure. It removes excess water from the body by increasing how much and how often you pass water. This removal of fluid helps reduce blood pressure.

Indapamide can be used on its own or alongside other medicines which reduce blood pressure. It is also available as a combination tablet with perindopril arginine.

Before taking indapamide

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Before taking indapamide 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 know you have low blood potassium, low blood sodium, or high blood calcium.
  • If you have problems passing water.
  • If you have gout.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you have an adrenal gland disorder or Addison's disease.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • 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 indapamide

  • Before beginning treatment, make sure you read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take indapamide exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take your dose 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 unless it is after 6 pm in the evening in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together the next day to make up for a missed dose.
  • If you have been given indapamide modified release tablets, swallow your dose with a drink of water without crushing or chewing the tablets.

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 indapamide 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.
  • Do not stop taking indapamide without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so that your blood pressure can be monitored.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with indapamide.
  • If you are an athlete, it is possible that this medicine may give a positive reaction in doping tests.

Can indapamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects most medicines can cause unwanted side effects which 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.

Possible side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, stomach discomfortEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. Speak to your doctor if this continues
Dizziness, particularly when getting upGetting up and moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Skin rash or an increased sensitivity to sun-light
Being aware of a fast or fluttering heart beat		If these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

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

How to store indapamide

  • 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


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Natrilix®, Servier Laboratories Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed April 2009.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Natrilix® SR, Les Laboratoires Servier, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed April 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3296DocRef: dils2226Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009Version: 26
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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