Xipamide

About Xipamide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as diuretics.

Xipamide is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and oedema (fluid retention), often caused by heart failure. It removes excess water from the body by increasing how often you urinate (pass water).

Xipamide is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Diurexan. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Xipamide

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from Addison's disease, diabetes, gout or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• if you suffer from porphyria (blood disorder)
• if you suffer from hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)
• if you suffer from prostate problems or have problems urinating (passing water)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Xipamide

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take xipamide exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist
• Xipamide will make you urinate (pass water) more often, so your doctor or pharmacist will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6pm in the evening.
• If you miss a dose of xipamide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6pm in the evening skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
• Xipamide is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of xipamide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside xipamide.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may suggest that you have annual blood tests to check your levels of sodium and potassium.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Too much alcohol can cause a big drop in blood pressure and may lead to fainting.
• 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 very important to take xipamide exactly as your doctor has directed and not to stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor. If you are overweight, your doctor may want you to follow a weight reducing diet.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry.
• Xipamide may cause dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Xipamide may cause you to experience faintness or dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly should help. If this becomes too troublesome ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking xipamide.
• If you have diabetes xipamide may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.

Can Xipamide 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 to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tummy upset, light-headedness, dry mouth, muscle cramps or mild dizziness.

Xipamide can occasionally cause you to lose too much potassium or sodium from the body, which are essential for good health.

Severe sickness and diarrhoea may increase your chances of potassium or sodium loss. If you experience this contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Signs of excessive potassium loss are dryness of the mouth, increased thirst, irregular heartbeat, mood changes, muscle cramps or pain, feeling or being sick, unusual tiredness or weakness, a weak pulse or loss of appetite.

Signs of excessive sodium loss are confusion, convulsions (fits), difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps and unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you think you may be suffering from a lack of potassium or sodium or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Xipamide

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/07/2003