Xipamide tablets

About xipamide

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

Before taking xipamide

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

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have kidney or liver problems.

• If you have narrowing of the arteries.

• If you have gout, diabetes, or an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These conditions may be made worse by diuretics.

• 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 xipamide

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

• Take xipamide exactly as your doctor has told you. The usual dose is one tablet daily, although occasionally up to four tablets daily may be needed for a short while in some people. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you take your dose 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.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take it before or after your meals.

• If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, you should skip the forgotten dose and continue as usual the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Treatment for high blood pressure is usually 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 these tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of this.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and check on your progress.

• The salt balance in your blood may be upset by xipamide and your doctor may want you to have a blood test from time to time to check for this.

• You may be given some lifestyle or dietary advice by your doctor, such as stopping smoking, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and taking some regular exercise. Following this advice will also help to reduce the risk of damage to your heart and blood vessels.

• If you are taking xipamide tablets to reduce fluid retention in your legs, regular movements, raising your legs and using support stockings will also help. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Diuretics like xipamide 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.

• Speak with your doctor about how much water to drink each day whilst taking a diuretic; it may depend on your health and body weight.

• Drinking alcohol while you are on xipamide may make you feel dizzy. Alcohol can also act as a diuretic and make you dehydrated. Ask for your doctor's advice about whether you should avoid alcohol.

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

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can xipamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store xipamide

• 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