Indapamide: what it does and how to use it safely

Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic most often used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. It helps your body get rid of extra salt and water, which lowers blood pressure and eases swelling. People like it because one low daily dose can be effective and it’s usually well tolerated.

Who takes indapamide and why

Doctors prescribe indapamide for long-term blood pressure control and for cases of edema related to heart or kidney problems. It’s common for older adults because it works steadily and can reduce stroke risk when blood pressure is controlled. You’ll usually see it as a small tablet taken once a day—often 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg in sustained-release form—but your doctor will pick the exact dose for you.

Practical dosing tips and what to watch for

Take indapamide in the morning so you’re less likely to wake up at night to pee. If your doctor prescribes a 1.25 mg tablet and it doesn’t control your blood pressure, they might try 2.5 mg or combine it with another medicine. Don’t skip doses or stop suddenly—blood pressure can rebound.

Common side effects include dizziness (especially when standing up), low potassium, low sodium, increased uric acid, and sometimes higher blood sugar. If you feel very weak, notice irregular heartbeat, severe thirst, confusion, or muscle cramps, contact your doctor—those can be signs of significant electrolyte changes.

Your doctor will want to check blood pressure, kidney function, and blood electrolytes (potassium and sodium) after starting indapamide and periodically after that. If you already have diabetes, gout, or kidney disease, monitoring becomes more important because indapamide can affect blood sugar, uric acid, and kidney filter function.

A few key drug interactions: indapamide can raise lithium levels (dangerous), and combining it with some blood pressure drugs can cause too-low blood pressure. NSAIDs like ibuprofen may reduce indapamide’s effect. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: indapamide is generally avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor decides benefits outweigh risks. If you’re breastfeeding, discuss alternatives with your prescriber.

When buying meds online, always use a licensed pharmacy and keep your prescription. Counterfeit or incorrect doses can be harmful. If cost is an issue, ask your clinic or pharmacist about generic options and programs that may lower price.

Quick checklist before starting indapamide: have recent blood tests, list all medications, plan follow-up visits for labs and blood pressure checks, and learn signs of low electrolytes. With simple monitoring and a clear plan, indapamide can be a reliable, low-cost way to control blood pressure and manage fluid buildup.