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.

What brand names are available for indapamide?

Lozol (discontinued brand)

Is indapamide available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for indapamide?

Yes

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

Common adverse side effects of indapamide are dehydration, and hypokalemia (low blood potassium due to elimination of potassium in the urine), which causes 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 important 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.

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.

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.

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. The use of indapamide in nursing mothers has not been studied.

What preparations of indapamide are available?

Tablets: 1.25 and 2.5 mg.

How should I keep indapamide stored?

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