indapamide, Lozol (Discontinued)

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

GENERIC NAME: indapamide

BRAND NAME: Lozol (discontinued brand)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Indapamide is a diuretic (water pill) that is used primarily 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: 1.25 and 2.5 mg.

STORAGE: Indapamide should be stored between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Indapamide is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and accumulation of excess fluid (edema), which may result from congestive heart failure.

DOSING: Indapamide is taken as a single daily dose, generally in the morning before breakfast. The recommended dose range is 1.25 to 5 mg once daily. 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 digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity, possibly resulting in fatal abnormal heart rhythms. Use of amiodarone (Cordarone) and indapamide also can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. The ability of the kidney to eliminate lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) 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. 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, and it 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 low blood pressure, excessive loss of sodium (particularly of concern in elderly patients), increased cholesterol (this effect tends to diminish with continued use), increased blood glucose, 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

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.