Indapamide

It is a vasodilator & diuretic related to thiazides. It reduces BP at doses which cause little or no diuresis. Electrolyte disturbances and K+ loss are minimal with antihypertensive doses. It reduces total peripheral resistance while cardiac output remains unchanged. Indapamide acts probably by interfering with ionic fluxes, including that of Ca++ across vascular smooth muscle cells.

Indications

Hypertension.

Dosage

2.5 mg daily.

Contra-Indications

Children, anuria, hepatic dysfunction.

Special Precautions

severe renal failure. Paediatrics: Should not be used. Pregnancy: Present in breast milk, may effect the foetus hence contraindicated. Lactation: May affect the growing foetus. Elderly:Contraindicated because of increased risk of adverse effects.

Side Effects

G.I. upset, fatigue, muscular cramps, debility. Hypokalaemia, hyper uricaemia. Reduction in glucose tolerance.

Drug Interactions

Potentiates anti-hypertensives. Probenecid competitively inhibits the tubular secretion, increases serum lithium levels.