Indapamide is a prescription medication categorized as a thiazide-like diuretic. Often called a “water pill,” it helps the body eliminate excess fluid. It is available only through a doctor’s prescription and comes in tablet form for oral administration.
What Indapamide Is Used For
Indapamide is primarily prescribed to manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can increase the workload on the heart and arteries, potentially leading to serious complications like stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure if left untreated. By helping to control blood pressure, indapamide can reduce the risk of these cardiovascular events.
The medication is also used to treat fluid retention, or edema, which is commonly associated with congestive heart failure. In this condition, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in various parts of the body. Indapamide helps to alleviate this swelling by promoting the removal of excess salt and water. It is part of a broader treatment strategy to manage both hypertension and edema.
How Indapamide Works
Indapamide works by influencing the kidneys’ ability to manage salt and water. It acts on a specific part of the kidney called the distal convoluted tubule, blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride back into the bloodstream by inhibiting a protein called the sodium-chloride symporter.
By preventing the reabsorption of these ions, indapamide causes them, along with water, to remain in the kidney tubules and be excreted in the urine. This increased urine production reduces the total volume of fluid in the body, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce swelling. Beyond its diuretic effect, indapamide may also have a direct impact on blood vessels, causing them to relax and widen, further lowering blood pressure.
Taking Indapamide Safely
It is typically taken once daily, preferably in the morning, to avoid frequent nighttime urination. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and they can be taken with or without food. For high blood pressure, an initial adult dose might be 1.25 milligrams (mg) once a day, while for fluid retention, it may start at 2.5 mg once a day. A healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on individual needs, but the daily dose usually does not exceed 5 mg.
It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to stop it suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure or fluid buildup. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is late in the day (e.g., after 4 PM), the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose taken at the regular time. Doubling up on doses is not recommended.
Several conditions and medications can interact with indapamide. Individuals with severe kidney failure, severe liver failure, or an inability to urinate (anuria) should not use indapamide. It is also contraindicated for those with a sulfonamide allergy. Patients with conditions like gout, diabetes, or lupus should use indapamide with caution, as it may worsen these conditions.
Regular medical monitoring, including blood tests, is necessary to check electrolyte levels, particularly potassium and sodium, as indapamide can cause imbalances. Medications such as lithium, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), and other drugs that affect blood pressure or electrolyte levels can interact with indapamide. Always inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking to prevent potential interactions.
Understanding Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, indapamide can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Increased urination is also expected as the body adjusts. Gastrointestinal issues may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These effects are generally mild and may subside as the body adapts.
More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These can include signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), are a significant concern. Symptoms of a severe electrolyte imbalance include intense thirst, unusual tiredness, severe muscle weakness, leg cramps, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. In rare instances, indapamide may also affect kidney function or cause liver issues, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. Any concerning or severe symptoms should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.