Lozol

Generic name: Indapamide

Indapamide tablets

What are indapamide tablets?

INDAPAMIDE (Lozol®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Indapamide helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. It also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic indapamide tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• gout
• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
• liver disease
• low blood levels of potassium, chloride, or sodium
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to indapamide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take indapamide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking indapamide. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with indapamide?

• amiodarone
• dofetilide
• heart medicines such as digoxin
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• medicine for colds and breathing difficulties
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar.)
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking indapamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision
• change in the amount or frequency of urination
• dry mouth
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• mood changes
• muscle cramps or spasm
• nausea, vomiting
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• loss of appetite
• sexual difficulties (impotence)
• stomach upset

What should I watch for while taking indapamide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking indapamide except on your prescriber's advice.

Watch your diet while you are taking indapamide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Indapamide can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Too high or too low potassium can cause problems. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice.

You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how indapamide affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.

Indapamide may make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking indapamide.

Indapamide can increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. If you are a diabetic keep a close check on blood and urine sugar.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.