Xelix

Indications

Indapamide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), alone or with other blood pressure medicines such as Perindopril or Amlodipine. Doctors may also use it to reduce fluid build-up (oedema), for example in heart failure.

How It Works

Indapamide is a mild water tablet (diuretic). It helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water, and it relaxes the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

• High blood pressure, adults: 2.5 mg once a day, or 1.5 mg sustained-release tablet once a day, usually in the morning.
• Swallow sustained-release tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew them.
• Combination tablets: take as prescribed.
• Higher doses do not lower blood pressure much more but cause more side effects, so do not increase the dose yourself.

Interactions

• Lithium: Indapamide can raise lithium to harmful levels.
• Painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac can weaken its effect and strain the kidneys.
• Steroids, some laxatives, Amphotericin B and other water tablets can lower potassium further.
• Low potassium increases the risk of heart rhythm problems with Digoxin, Sotalol, Amiodarone and some other medicines.
• Other blood pressure medicines add to the lowering effect.

Contraindications

• Allergy to indapamide or to sulphonamide (sulfa) medicines.
• Severe kidney failure.
• Severe liver disease.
• Low blood potassium that has not been corrected.

Side Effects

Common: low potassium (may cause muscle cramps or weakness), dizziness, headache, tiredness and skin rash. It can also raise uric acid (gout) and blood sugar, and lower sodium, especially in older people.

Get urgent medical help for: severe muscle weakness or cramps, a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, confusion or drowsiness (possible low sodium), or a severe skin reaction with blisters or peeling.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in pregnancy, as it can reduce blood flow to the baby. Avoid while breastfeeding; it passes into milk and may reduce milk supply. Ask the doctor about a safer option.

Precautions and Warnings

• Blood tests for potassium, sodium and kidney function are needed, especially at the start and in older people.
• Use with care in gout, diabetes and liver problems.
• It can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Dizziness may occur at first; take care when driving.

Overdose

Too much can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, cramps and salt imbalance. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Thiazide-like diuretic; antihypertensive.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.