Indapamide

About indapamide

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.

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