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$Title{INDAPAMIDE}
$Subject{Lozol (Rorer)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


INDAPAMIDE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Lozol (Rorer)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     indapamide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2.5 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Indapamide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also used
to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some
drugs.  This drug reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of
salt and water through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take indapamide with a glass of
milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try to
take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or upset stomach.  As your body
adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This drug can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  Therefore, avoid
prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective clothing, and
use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive
thirst, excessive weakness, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle
pain or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the
fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, or yellowing of the
eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Indapamide interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout
medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine.
     2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
indapamide (which can be dangerous).
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
indapamide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Indapamide should, therefore, be
taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of cholestyramine or
colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these medications).
     5. Indapamide may increase the side effects of amphotericin B, calcium,
cortisone and cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone,
prednisone, and prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, quinidine,
sulfonamide antibiotics, and vitamin D.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to indapamide or any other sulfa drugs, including
other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, and sulfonamide antibiotics.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease
or problems with urination, diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma,
pancreatic disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
     * Indapamide can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss include
dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting.  If
you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  To help avoid
potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange juice or
cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use of a salt substitute also
helps to prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your diet or use a salt
substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.  Too much
potassium can also be dangerous.  Your doctor may want to have blood tests
performed periodically to monitor your potassium levels.
     * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while taking this medication,
try not to stand for long periods of time; avoid drinking excessive amounts of
alcohol; and avoid getting overheated (do not perform strenuous exercise in
hot weather or take hot baths, showers, or saunas).
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy, asthma,
cough, cold, or sinus problems unless your doctor directs you to do so.
     * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored by blood or urine
tests when this medication is being taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in humans
have not been conducted, but adverse effects have been observed in the fetuses
of animals that received large doses of this drug during pregnancy.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Although problems in
humans have not been reported, small amounts of this drug can pass into breast
milk, so caution is warranted.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
