Natrilix SR (Indapamide)

  • Natrilix SR is a prolonged-release film-coated tablet containing indapamide as active ingredient.
  • Indapamide is a diuretic. Most diuretics increase the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. However, indapamide is different from other diuretics, as it only causes a slight increase in the amount of urine produced.
  • This medicine is intended to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults.
Garvan

Pharmacist - M.B.A. (Public Health) D.I.C.

Natrilix SR (Indapamide)

What is indapamide used for? Lowering high…

Garvan J. Lynch
MBA (Public Health)

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What is indapamide used for?

  • Lowering high blood pressure with no known cause. This is referred to as essential hypertension. It may be used on its own, or in combination with other drugs used to lower blood pressure.

How does indapamide work?

  • Indapamide belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics. These medicines remove excess fluid from the body by increasing the production of urine by the kidneys.
  • Diuretics work by increasing the amount of salts, such as potassium and sodium, that are filtered out of the blood into the urine by the kidneys. When these salts are filtered out of the blood they draw water alongside them. This lowers the volume of fluid in the blood vessels and so reduces blood pressure.
  • However, at the dose prescribed for high blood pressure, indapamide works mainly by causing the blood vessels to widen, which reduces the pressure inside the blood vessels.

Things to know before taking indapamide

  • If you need a test to assess the functioning of your parathyroid gland your doctor may ask you to stop taking indapamide beforehand, as it may interfere with the test results.
  • Your doctor will want to monitor your blood pressure and may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your kidney function and the levels of salts such as potassium and sodium in your blood while you're taking indapamide.
  • Indapamide may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual, so it's best to minimise your exposure to strong sunlight or sunbeds until you know how it affects you.

What side effects should I look out for?

  • Some people feel dizzy when they first start taking indapamide, particularly when getting up from sitting or lying down. If affected you should lie down until the symptoms pass. Try getting up more slowly if this happens when you stand up. If you frequently feel dizzy you should tell your doctor.
  • If you get any of the following side effects while taking indapamide you should let your doctor know, so that the amount of fluids and salts in your body can be checked: feeling constantly thirsty, dry mouth or skin, lethargy, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, scanty production of urine, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, nausea or vomiting.

Can I drive while taking indapamide?

  • Indapamide can make some people feel dizzy or tired, so you should make sure you know how you react to it before driving or operating machinery. Avoid doing these potentially hazardous activities if affected.

Can I drink alcohol while taking indapamide?

  • If you find indapamide makes you feel dizzy or tired it may be best to avoid drinking alcohol because this can make these problems worse. Also remember that if you have high blood pressure you should minimise the amount of alcohol that you drink, because alcohol can increase blood pressure.

Do I need to avoid any food or drinks while taking indapamide?

  • Not specifically - just make sure you are following a healthy, balanced diet to help your blood pressure.
  • Avoid following a very strict low salt (sodium) diet, because indapamide can sometimes cause the level of sodium in your blood to fall too low.
  • You don't need to restrict your fluid intake - just drink enough to satisfy your thirst.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12769162/

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/heart-blood/a28873/indapamide-uses-and-things-to-know/

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1152/pil

http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/7375f31c-d753-4fab-a2b8-b8ff9ee7c9e6.pdf

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,47361000168100/natrilix-sr

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