Indapamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Generic Name

Indapamide

Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular-Thiazide diuretics & related drugs

Indications:
Indapamide is indicated in the treatment of essential hypertension. It is effective in treating hypertension in patients with renal function impairment, although its diuretic effect is reduced. Indapamide is also indicated for the treatment of salt and fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure.

Presentation:
Indapamide1.5 SR: Each sustained release coated tablet contains Indapamide BP 1.5 mg.

Description:
Indapamide is a diuretic antihypertensive. It appears to cause vasodilation, probably by inhibiting the passage of calcium and other ions (sodium, potassium) across membranes. It has an extra-renal antihypertensive action resulting in a decrease in vascular hyperreactivity and a reduction in total peripheral and arteriolar resistance.

Dosage & Administration:
One tablet daily preferably in the morning. In more severe cases Indapamide can be combined with other categories of the anti-hypertensive agents. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established

Interaction:

• Other antihypertensive: Indapamide may add to or potentiate the action of other antihypertensive drugs.
• Norepinephrine: Indapamide like thiazides, may decrease arterial responsiveness to norepinephrine.
• Lithium: In general, diuretics should not be given concomitantly with lithium because they reduce its renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity.

Contraindications:
This drug must not be taken in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides
• Severe renal failure
• Hepatic encephalopathy or severe hepatic failure
• Hypokalaemia

Side Effects:
Side effects of Indapamide include headache, anorexia, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, etc.

Pregnancy & Lactation:
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and so Indapamide is not recommended. Mothers taking Indapamide should not breastfeed.

Precautions & Warnings:
Monitoring of potassium and uric acid serum levels is recommended, especially in subjects with a predisposition or sensitivity to hypokalemia and in patients with gout. Although no allergic manifestations have been reported during clinical trials, patients with a history of allergy to sulfonamide derivatives should be closely monitored.

Overdose:

• Symptoms: These could include: allergies, skin rashes, epigastric pain, nausea, photosensitivity, dizziness, weakness, and paraesthesia.
• Treatment: Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, directed at correcting the electrolyte abnormalities.

Storage:

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture.