Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: indapamide
BRAND NAME: Lozol
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Indapamide is a diuretic (water
pill) that is primarily used for the treatment of high blood
pressure. It works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing
(retaining in the body) salt and water that is destined to be
eliminated in the urine. This results in increased urine output
(diuresis). Indapamide also is thought to reduce the salt in the
smooth muscle of the walls of blood vessels. (The salt ultimately is
eliminated in the urine.) The loss of salt from the muscle causes
the muscle to relax, and the relaxation of the vessels results in
reduced blood pressure. Indapamide was approved by the FDA in 1983.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 1.25mg and 2.5mg.
STORAGE: All forms should be stored between 15° (59°F) and
30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Indapamide is used to treat hypertension
(high blood pressure). It also is used to eliminate fluid when the
body accumulates excess fluid, such as with edema and congestive
heart failure.
DOSING: Indapamide is taken as a single daily dose,
generally in the morning before breakfast. It can be taken with or
without food. Antacids have no effect on the activity of Indapamide.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Like other diuretics, indapamide can
cause hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium).
These changes can increase the risk of patients on digoxin (Lanoxin)
to toxicity, possibly resulting in fatal arrhythmias. Use of
amiodarone (Cordarone) and indapamide can also lead to cardiac
arrhythmias.
The ability of the kidney to eliminate lithium is decreased in
patients receiving diuretics, including indapamide. The use of these
two drugs together could result in lithium toxicity.
PREGNANCY: The use of indapamide in pregnancy has not been
well-studied. Risks to the fetus are not well-understood. Physicians
may elect to use it if its benefits are judged to outweigh its
potential risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: The use of indapamide in nursing mothers
has not been studied.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dehydration may occur during indapamide
therapy. Hypokalemia (low blood potassium due to elimination of
potassium in the urine) is one of the most common adverse effects
associated with the thiazide class of diuretics and may cause
abnormal cardiac rhythms. The most common symptom associated with
hypokalemia is muscle weakness. Patients receiving indapamide may
need potassium supplements to prevent hypokalemia. Hypomagnesemia
(low blood magnesium) also may occur.
Other possible side effects include excessive loss of sodium
(particularly of concern in elderly patients), increased cholesterol
(this effect tends to diminish with continued use), increased uric
acid concentrations in the blood, dizziness, lightheadedness,
headache, blurred vision, tingling of the extremities, nervousness,
impotence, rash, photosensitivity (skin rashes due to sunlight),
fatigue, irritability, and agitation.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/25/1999 7:46:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
High Blood Pressure RSS