Indapamide

Indapamide

Indapamide is a type of medication used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema (fluid overload) caused by heart failure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as diuretics, specifically the thiazide diuretics group, although it is technically a thiazide-like diuretic.

Pharmacology

Indapamide works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in the kidneys, which increases the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This reduces the volume of fluid flowing through the blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood pressure.

Clinical Use

Indapamide is used to manage hypertension and edema. It is often used when other diuretics, such as furosemide, are not effective. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily, which may be increased to 2.5 mg once daily if necessary.

Side Effects

Like all medications, indapamide can cause side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Less common but more serious side effects include electrolyte imbalance, gout, and pancreatitis. Patients should be monitored for these side effects during treatment.

Contraindications

Indapamide is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney disease, liver disease, or hypokalemia (low potassium levels). It should be used with caution in patients with diabetes or gout, as it can worsen these conditions.

Interactions

Indapamide can interact with several other medications, including lithium, digoxin, and other antihypertensive drugs. It can also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce its effectiveness.

See Also

• Thiazide diuretics
• Hypertension
• Edema
• Heart failure