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Cyclopenthiazide

  • Cyclopenthiazide belongs to the group of medicines known as thiazide diuretics.
  • Thiazide diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.
  • Cyclopenthiazide is available alone or in combination with other drugs.
  • Cyclopenthiazide removes excess water from the body by increasing how often you urinate (pass water).
  • People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell, but left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.

About cyclopenthiazide

Type of medicine Thiazide diuretic
Used for Oedema (fluid retention)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Also called Navidrex when alone
Navispare when in combination with amiloride
Trasicor when in combination with oxprenolol
Available as Tablet

Cyclopenthiazide works in the kidney. It removes excess water from the body by increasing how often you urinate (pass water).

Before taking cyclopenthiazide

Before taking cyclopenthiazide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • 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 or diabetes .
  • If you suffer from gout (pain and stiffness in the joints) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you suffer from hypokalaemia (low blood potassium) or hyponatraemia (low blood sodium).
  • If you suffer from hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) or hyperuricaemia (high blood uric acid).

How to take cyclopenthiazide

  • Cyclopenthiazide 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 by 2pm in the afternoon.
  • If you miss a dose of cyclopenthiazide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 2pm in the afternoon skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.

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 damage blood vessels resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Therefore, take cyclopenthiazide exactly as your doctor has directed and do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you have diabetes cyclopenthiazide may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any changes.
  • Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests if you are on certain other medication.

Can cyclopenthiazide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all 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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Mild gastro-intestinal effects (feeling sick, stomach pain) Take after food
Dizziness Seek advice from your doctor

How to store cyclopenthiazide

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

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
617		 DocRef:
dils2899		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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