Home Drug Guide Bendroflumethiazide

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Bendroflumethiazide

Brand Names Naturetin-2.5, Naturetin-5, Naturetin-10

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Diuretic (Thiazide)

Pharmacological: Thiazide diuretic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Edema associated with heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, or renal disease

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, and water, thereby reducing blood volume and blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initially, 2.5 mg once daily. Dose may be increased gradually up to 10 mg daily based on patient response.

Pediatric: Not generally recommended for pediatric use due to limited data.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses due to increased risk of hypotension and electrolyte imbalance; monitor carefully.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution, monitor closely; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver; extent varies including some unchanged drug excreted renally.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 4-6 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to bendroflumethiazide or sulfonamides
  • Anuria
  • Serious hepatic impairment

Precautions

  • Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
  • Diabetes mellitus (may alter glucose control)
  • Gout (may precipitate attacks)
  • Pregnancy and lactation (use only if clearly needed)

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia) (Common)
  • Dizziness, hypotension (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (Somewhat common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Electrolyte disturbances leading to arrhythmias (Serious)
  • Allergic reactions, including rash and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Lithium (increased toxicity)
  • Other antihypertensives (additive effect)
  • Corticosteroids (potentiation of electrolyte disturbances)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, electrolytes (potassium, sodium), renal function.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance
  • Risk for hypotension

Implementation: Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Monitor electrolytes regularly.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure, urinary output, and electrolyte status to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Monitor blood pressure at home.
  • Be aware of signs of electrolyte imbalance (muscle weakness, cramps).
  • Maintain adequate hydration.
  • Report any signs of allergic reaction or severe adverse effects.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specifically for bendroflumethiazide

Genetic Factors: Genetic variations affecting drug metabolism are not well characterized.

Lab Test Interference: May cause alterations in serum glucose and uric acid levels.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, hypotension, dizziness.

Treatment: Discontinue drug, provide supportive care, correct electrolyte imbalances, and monitor hemodynamic status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.