Can I take Calcium and Indapamide together?

Why this happens

Indapamide is a 'water pill' (diuretic) that works by reducing the amount of calcium your kidneys get rid of in your urine. If you take extra calcium supplements at the same time, the calcium builds up in your body because it isn't being flushed out as usual.

What you should do

Speak to your doctor before taking calcium supplements if you are prescribed indapamide. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood calcium levels with regular blood tests. If you experience symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, or nausea, contact your GP.

Important precautions

Sulphonamide allergy

Do not take indapamide if you have a known allergy to sulphonamide medicines (such as certain antibiotics), as you may experience a similar allergic reaction.

Hypercalcaemia (High blood calcium)

Taking calcium supplements alongside indapamide significantly increases the risk of your blood calcium levels becoming dangerously high. Your doctor must monitor your blood levels regularly.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking indapamide can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect of the medicine. This may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up quickly. It is best to keep your alcohol intake within recommended limits and see how the medicine affects you before drinking.

Caffeine (Coffee, tea, energy drinks)

Caffeine can slightly reduce the amount of calcium your body absorbs and increase the amount of calcium lost in your urine. If you consume a lot of caffeine, it may make your calcium supplement less effective. Try to limit caffeine intake or space it out from when you take your supplement.

High-fibre foods (e.g., whole grains, bran) and foods high in oxalates (e.g., spinach, rhubarb)

Foods very high in fibre or oxalates can bind to calcium in the digestive tract, preventing it from being absorbed properly. If you eat these foods, try to eat them at a different time of day than when you take your calcium supplement.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.