Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Indapamide for high blood pressure or heart failure? If so, this article will be very important for you. Maybe you have been using this medicine for a while. However, it is very important to have a good understanding of any medicine we use. So today, let's talk about this medicine Indapamide, what it does to the body, what to be careful about and its side effects, in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Indapamide? Let's understand it simply.
Indapamide is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and conditions like heart failure. It belongs to a class of medicines called
diuretics . Our people usually call these "water pills." Think of it like our body is like a water tank. Sometimes, too much water and salt accumulate in this tank. Then the pressure inside the blood vessels increases. Indapamide does a very simple thing. It gives our kidneys a little signal, "Get rid of the extra water and salt in the body with urine." So, when the extra fluid in the body decreases, the pressure inside the blood vessels also gradually decreases and returns to normal levels. This also provides great relief to the heart. Simply put, Indapamide is like our friend who balances the fluid and salt in our body and controls blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, now this is the most important part. Before you are prescribed Indapamide, or if you are already taking it,
it is very, very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. Because some people with certain medical conditions should think twice before taking this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
- Diabetes or high blood sugar levels : This medication can sometimes cause changes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, it is important to inform your doctor about this.
- Gout : This medication may increase uric acid levels in the blood and worsen gout .
- Heart failure or irregular heartbeat:Great care should be taken when giving this medicine to people with these conditions.
- Kidney disease : Since this medicine works through the kidneys, if there is any weakness in the kidneys, the doctor should be aware of it.
- Liver disease : If you have any liver disease, please inform us about it.
- Lupus: The way this medicine affects lupus patients may vary.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Indapamide, sulfa drugs, any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: If you are pregnant or trying to have a baby, you should talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Your doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding this information.
How to use the medicine correctly?
For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.
- This medicine is an oral tablet. Take it every day, exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day. It is best to get into the habit of taking it at the same time every day.
- Even if you feel better and your blood pressure has decreased, do not stop taking this medication until your doctor tells you to. High blood pressure is a condition that needs to be managed long-term.
- If you are giving this medicine to children: Special care may be needed. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions.
What if I take too much medicine by mistake? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose,
go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not take this lightly.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
We don't always remember everything, so we may forget to take our medicine.
- Take your medicine as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take the next dose at the scheduled time.
- Do not take two doses of medication at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Indapamide. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This medication may interact especially with:
- Medicines such as Digoxin, which is used for heart disease
- Lithium for mental illness
- Other medications for high blood pressure
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, traditional medicines (Sinhala medicine, Ayurvedic medicine) you are taking, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your health while taking Indapamide.
See the doctor as scheduled .
Don't forget to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check your progress. If you measure your blood pressure at home, talk to your doctor about the readings. Also ask him what your normal blood pressure should be.
Be careful about dehydration.
This medicine can sometimes cause dehydration because it removes excess water from the body. Be careful if you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or are sweating a lot. Dehydration can be dangerous when taking this medicine.
Food, drink and water
If your doctor tells you about a special diet, follow it. Also ask how many glasses of water you should drink per day.
Be careful when taking other medications.
When you have a cough, cold, or body ache, ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medication. Some painkillers and cold medicines can increase your blood pressure.
Dizziness and drowsiness
Some people may feel dizzy or drowsy when they first start using this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up from a sitting position or get out of bed suddenly. Get up slowly. Be especially careful if you are elderly.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Indapamide can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. It's important to be aware of these. Let's break this down into two parts.
If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor.
| Side effect (symptom) | Description |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Dehydration | Increased thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Gout disease | Severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints (especially the big toe). |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased potassium levels | Muscle twitching or pain, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation. |
| Decreased sodium levels | Muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion. |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain or vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, seeing rings around lights). |
| Minor side effects | Anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, stuffy or runny nose. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Avoid exposure to excessive heat.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Indapamide is a "water pill" used to control high blood pressure and heart conditions. It removes excess water and salt from the body.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking.
- Take your medicine at the same time every day, just as your doctor told you. Even if you feel better, don't stop taking your medicine without asking your doctor.
- Be aware of dizziness and fainting. Drink enough water (as advised by your doctor) to avoid dehydration.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as swelling of the face or lips, changes in vision, or severe joint pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to go to the clinic on the scheduled dates, see the doctor, and have your blood pressure checked.
Indapamide, Indapamide Sinhala, high blood pressure, diuretic, water pills, side effects, blood pressure medication, heart attack
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