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Home > Drug Category > Diuretic Therapy > Lozide and Equivalent

Lozide (Indapamide) Information

Lozide, which contains the active ingredient indapamide, is a medication classified as a thiazide-like diuretic. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is also indicated for the management of edema (swelling or fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). Indapamide possesses a significantly longer duration of action and a different chemical structure than hydrochlorothiazide, distinguishing it as "thiazide-like." It is administered orally, typically once daily.

The mechanism of action for indapamide occurs primarily in the proximal part of the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney. Similar to thiazides, indapamide inhibits the Sodium-Chloride (NA/CL) co-transporter system on the luminal membrane, increasing the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, which results in a diuretic effect and reduced plasma volume. However, a crucial additional mechanism for indapamide is its direct vasodilatory action. It reduces vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and interferes with calcium movement within the smooth muscle cells. This direct action on blood vessels contributes significantly to its sustained antihypertensive effect, independent of its diuretic action, making it highly effective for blood pressure control.

Lozide Side Effects

As a diuretic, Lozide's side effects are primarily consequences of its action on fluid and electrolyte dynamics. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, muscle cramps, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

However, a range of serious side effects can occur, necessitating prompt medical intervention and potentially discontinuation of the drug. Suppose any of the following symptoms or laboratory findings are identified. In that case, the patient should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:

• Electrolyte Imbalances (Severe): The most critical risk involves severe and often symptomatic imbalances, predominantly hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium) and hyponatremia (dangerously low sodium), which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, confusion, and muscle weakness.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Indapamide, being a sulfonamide derivative, carries the risk of severe allergic reactions, which can manifest as serious skin rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) or, rarely, acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Hypovolemia and Hypotension: Excessive diuretic action, particularly when initiating therapy or at high doses, can lead to profound fluid loss (hypovolemia) and severe low blood pressure (hypotension), which can result in fainting (syncope).
• Metabolic Disturbances: The drug can elevate serum uric acid levels, which may precipitate an acute attack of gout. It may also interfere with glucose tolerance, potentially worsening control in diabetic patients.

Lozide Precautions

Lozide is a sulfonamide derivative and is contraindicated in patients with a known history of allergy or hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs or a history of anuria (the absence of urine production). To prevent severe electrolyte and fluid complications, serum electrolyte levels (especially potassium and sodium) and renal function indicators (serum creatinine and BUN) must be checked before starting treatment and periodically thereafter throughout the course of therapy. Due to the risk of hypokalemia, patients should be monitored closely, and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Caution is strongly advised for patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment (liver disease), as even minor fluid or electrolyte shifts induced by indapamide can trigger hepatic coma. Lozide should be used with caution in patients with a history of gout or diabetes, as its effects on uric acid and glucose metabolism can exacerbate both conditions, necessitating closer monitoring of these parameters.

Do I need a prescription to order Lozide?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Lozide.