Indapamide
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.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. | Calcium Sodium Vitamin D* |
| May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better. | Potassium |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Lithium |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Adverse interaction | None known |
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 Dietary 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 (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
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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 June 2009.