Indapamide

Alternative Medicine The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Also indexed as:

Lozol

Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic used, either alone or in combination with other drugs, to treat high blood pressure and to prevent salt and fluid retention associated with heart failure. Indapamide may interact with nutrients and herbs in ways similar to interactions described for thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide. However, research has not investigated these interactions specifically for indapamide.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Indapamide

Depletion or interference	Calcium Sodium Vitamin D*
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	Potassium
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Other (see text)	Lithium

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Potassium and sodium

Taking indapamide may result in sodium and potassium loss, which may cause dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, drowsiness, or muscle cramps.¹ Doctors may suggest supplements or foods high in potassium to prevent unwanted side effects.

Calcium

Slight increases in blood calcium levels may occur in people taking indapamide, which could be aggravated by calcium supplementation.² Therefore, people taking both calcium supplements and indapamide should have their blood calcium levels monitored by their healthcare practitioner, and it may be necessary to avoid calcium supplementation.

Lithium

Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Taking indapamide may elevate blood levels of lithium, resulting in unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and drowsiness.³ It is unknown whether people taking small amounts of supplemental lithium will experience adverse reactions.

Vitamin D

Thiazide diuretics enhance the actions of vitamin D;⁴ however, it is unknown whether indapamide has the same effect. Until more is known, people taking indapamide should supplement vitamin D only under the supervision of a health practitioner.

References

1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1969-71.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Diuretics, Thiazides and Related Diuretics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1999, 704-16.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1969-71.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Diuretics, Thiazides and Related Diuretics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1999, 704-16.

---

Last Review: 09-01-2007

Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc.  All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

	Go to top of page
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.