Indapamide
1 medicine
Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic for high blood pressure and fluid retention; it can cause low sodium and potassium levels, especially in older adults, so electrolytes need regular blood tests.
Key facts
- Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water, lowering blood pressure and reducing swelling.
- Taken once daily, usually in the morning.
- It can cause low sodium and low potassium, especially in older adults; severe hyponatremia can cause confusion, seizures, or coma and needs urgent care.
- Blood tests checking electrolytes and kidney function are needed before starting and periodically during treatment.
What indapamide treats
Indapamide treats high blood pressure and edema, fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, or lungs from heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
How indapamide works
Indapamide blocks sodium reabsorption in the kidney's distal tubule, so more sodium and water leave the body in urine. This reduces the volume of fluid in your blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and eases swelling.
Before you take it
- Avoid indapamide if you produce no urine (anuria), have severe liver disease, uncorrected low potassium, or a sulfonamide allergy.
- Tell your prescriber about kidney disease, gout, or a history of low sodium.
- Lithium levels can rise to toxic levels when combined with indapamide; NSAIDs can blunt its effect; low potassium from indapamide raises the risk of dangerous rhythms if you also take QT-prolonging medicines.
- Have your electrolytes checked before starting and at intervals during treatment, especially if you're older or also unwell with vomiting or diarrhea.
Side effects
Common effects include passing urine more often, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:
- Confusion, severe headache, nausea, or seizures (possible low sodium).
- Muscle weakness or cramps with an irregular heartbeat (possible low potassium).
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- Vision changes or a severe skin rash.
Safety essentials
- Hyponatremia and hypokalemia are the defining risks, especially in older adults. Get periodic blood tests, and seek urgent care for confusion, severe headache, or fainting.
- Low potassium raises the risk of dangerous heart rhythms, particularly alongside other QT-prolonging medicines.
- Indapamide can make skin burn more easily in the sun, so use sun protection, and don't stop treatment abruptly without medical advice.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.