Indapamide

Brand Name:Apo- Gen- Lozide, Novo- Nu- PMS-Indapamide

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Indapamide belongs to a class called diuretics. It is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used for other conditions (such as edema) to reduce swelling and fluid buildup. Diuretics help decrease the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to indapamide. If you are allergic to sulfonamide drugs (such as Septra, sulfamethoxazole) you may have a higher chance of an allergic reaction. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • difficulty going to the bathroom or prostate problems
  • gout
  • high blood sugar or diabetes
  • low blood pressure
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • problems with your thyroid or parathyroid
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • high or low levels of sodium, potassium or calcium in your blood

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • going to the bathroom more often
  • dizziness, lightheadedness
  • low blood pressure
  • muscle cramps
  • increased uric acid levels
  • low levels of sodium, potassium (your doctor may perform blood tests to check on these while you are taking the drug)

These side effects are usually related to dose, the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions). Some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Other less common side effects include:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • rash
  • tingling
  • increased blood sugars

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

  • severe rash and itching
  • irregular heartbeat
  • severe muscle cramps

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely.
  • Other diuretics or water pills (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
  • Other medications to treat high blood pressure - may increase your chances for experiencing low blood pressure
  • Lithium - may increase the amount of lithium in the blood and increase chances of side effects
  • Digoxin - lower potassium levels due to indapamide use may increase chances of digoxin side effects
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, voltaren, diclofenac) – may decrease how well indapamide works.
  • If you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure. These include some cough and cold medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Sit or stand up slowly to prevent dizziness.

Lab tests or monitoring:

  • Indapamide can result in a loss of potassium or sodium levels and increased uric acid levels. Your doctor will periodically have blood tests to check these levels.
  • If you are a diabetic, there is a small chance that your blood sugar levels could rise. You should test your sugars more often to be sure.

Children: Not generally recommended.

Seniors: Are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Lower doses should be used in the beginning.

Pregnancy: Not generally recommended. It may be used in specific cases. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally, since it may cause dizziness.

Alcohol: May increase the chances of dizziness and dehydration.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping the drug will likely cause your blood pressure to go up or your other symptoms (such as fluid buildup or swollen ankles) to return.


If you miss a dose: Take it when you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: This medicine may reduce potassium in your system. To help prevent this, your doctor may suggest you eat more bananas and other potassium-rich foods or take a potassium supplement. Do not take a supplement without discussing it with your doctor.