Bendroflumethiazide tablets

About bendroflumethiazide

Bendroflumethiazide belongs to a group of medicines called thiazide diuretics. A diuretic is a medicine which increases the amount of urine that you pass out from your kidneys. They are sometimes referred to as 'water tablets'. Diuretics are a common treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension). They are also used to clear fluid from the body in conditions where your body retains too much fluid. This is called oedema.

Diuretics like bendroflumethiazide work by interfering with the transport of salt and water across certain cells in your kidneys. The effect of this is to make your kidneys pass out more urine.

Bendroflumethiazide can be given alongside other medicines used to treat fluid retention and/or hypertension. When it is used like this, you may be prescribed a combination tablet. Combination tablets help to reduce the total number of tablets you need to take each day.

Before taking bendroflumethiazide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bendroflumethiazide it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have gout, diabetes or an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE). These conditions can be made worse by medicines like bendroflumethiazide.

• If you have been told by a doctor that you have low sodium or potassium levels in your blood, or high calcium levels in your blood.

• If you have a problem with your adrenal glands, called Addison's disease.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take bendroflumethiazide

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about bendroflumethiazide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose for high blood pressure is 2.5 mg daily (one tablet). The initial dose for fluid retention is 5-10 mg once each day or once every other day, although this may be reduced to one dose on only two or three days of the week as you go on.

• Your doctor is likely to recommend that you take bendroflumethiazide in the morning. This is so it works during the day and your sleep is not disturbed by you needing to get up to go to the toilet during the night.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take it either with or without food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is late afternoon when you remember, leave out the forgotten dose and take your next dose as usual on the following day. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• 'Water tablets' (diuretics) like bendroflumethiazide help you to lose water. Occasionally you may lose too much and become lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). Let your doctor know if you feel constantly thirsty, your mouth is dry, or your skin looks and feels dry.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. The salt balance in your bloodstream may be upset by bendroflumethiazide and your doctor may want you to have a blood test from time to time to check for this.

• If you have been prescribed bendroflumethiazide for high blood pressure (hypertension), your treatment is likely to be long-term. Although many people with high blood pressure do not feel unwell, if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm your heart and damage your blood vessels. This damage may later result in a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems, so it is important that you continue to take the tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of this. You may also be given some lifestyle and dietary advice by your doctor, such as stopping smoking, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, eating more fruit and vegetables and less saturated fat, and taking some regular exercise. Following this advice will also help to reduce the risk of damage to your heart and blood vessels.

• Ask your doctor for advice before drinking alcohol while you are on bendroflumethiazide. Alcohol will add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of bendroflumethiazide which will increase the possibility of you experiencing side-effects such as dizziness.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside bendroflumethiazide.

• If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can bendroflumethiazide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with bendroflumethiazide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bendroflumethiazide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines