Home Drug Guide Indapamide

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Indapamide

Brand Names Lozol

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Diuretic

Pharmacological: Thiazide-like diuretic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Edema associated with congestive heart failure

Mechanism of Action

Indapamide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, which decreases blood volume and blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initially 2.5 mg once daily. Dose may be increased to 5-10 mg daily depending on response.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: Start at lower dose due to increased sensitivity; monitor closely.

Renal Impairment: Use caution; dose adjustment may be necessary depending on severity.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor closely.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Excreted primarily in the urine.

Half Life: 14-24 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to indapamide or sulfonamides.
  • Anuria.

Precautions

  • Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia).
  • Renal impairment.
  • Hepatic impairment.
  • Diabetes mellitus (may alter glucose tolerance).
  • Monitor for dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia) (Common)
  • Dizziness or orthostatic hypotension (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Electrolyte imbalance leading to arrhythmias (Serious)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (Serious)
  • Severe dehydration (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Increased risk of electrolyte imbalances with other diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs.
  • Lithium toxicity risk increased.
  • NSAIDs may reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, weight, serum electrolytes, renal function.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance.
  • Risk for dehydration.
  • Ineffective tissue perfusion.

Implementation: Administer in the morning to avoid nocturia. Monitor electrolyte levels regularly. Adjust dose based on blood pressure and lab results.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in blood pressure, signs of side effects, and electrolyte balance.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication as prescribed, usually in the morning.
  • Report signs of electrolyte imbalance: muscle weakness, cramps.
  • Avoid potassium-rich foods unless directed.
  • Rise slowly from sitting or lying position to prevent orthostatic hypotension.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specifically for indapamide.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic testing recommended.

Lab Test Interference: May cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, affecting ECG readings.

Overdose Management

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

Treatment: Discontinue drug, restore electrolyte balance, and manage blood pressure as needed. Supportive care, IV fluids.

Storage and Handling

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

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.