Indapamide: uses; side effects; and more

Uses of Indapamide

Indapamide, a 'water pill,' is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by heart disease. It also is used to treat high blood pressure. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. Indapamide is also used to reduce excess fluid in the body (oedema) caused by heart failure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Side Effects

Common side effects of indapamide may include muscle cramps, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, thirst, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, and decreased sexual performance. Serious side effects include: irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Sudden onset of severe stomach pain with feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, high temperature and pressure or swelling in the stomach, which may be signs of pancreatitis. Yellowing of the eyes or skin, having dark-coloured urine, pale stools, tiredness and loss of appetite may be signs of liver disease. In rare cases, indapamide may cause a severe allergic reaction.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this medication include: dofetilide, lithium. Some products contain ingredients that may raise blood pressure or aggravate heart failure, especially cough and cold products, weight loss aids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.