Xipamide

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The active ingredient xipamide is one of the most important remedies for high blood pressure and water retention. It is generally considered to be well tolerated, but in rare cases it can lead to dizziness, thrombosis and intolerance. Children and pregnant women should not take drugs containing xipamide due to a lack of data. Here you can read everything you need to know about xipamid.

This is how Xipamid works

The body has a sophisticated system for regulating blood pressure. If more energy is required, the blood pressure is automatically increased; on the other hand, it is downregulated during periods of rest.If this system is disturbed, it can lead to high blood pressure. Those affected usually do not notice it, and the high blood pressure gradually worsens. In the long run, the small vessels found in the eyes and kidneys suffer from this. If high blood pressure remains undetected for a long time, it can have dire consequences such as loss of vision and impaired kidney function.

To prevent such long-term effects of high blood pressure, blood pressure must be normalized. Sometimes weight loss and more exercise are enough. Often, however, patients also have to take antihypertensive drugs. These include the active ingredient xipamide, which ensures that blood pressure drops by increasing the excretion of water with the urine (diuresis).

The flushing effect of xipamide is also used in the treatment of pathological accumulations of water in the body. Such edema can arise, for example, from a weak heart (heart failure).

Absorption, breakdown and excretion of xipamide

After ingestion through the mouth (orally), the active ingredient xipamide is quickly and completely absorbed from the intestine into the blood and distributed throughout the body. The active ingredient is then partially broken down in the liver and excreted in the urine and stool.

When is Xipamid used?

The areas of application (indications) of Xipamid include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart failure (heart failure)

This is how xipamide is used

Xipamide is usually used in the form of tablets. The dose is initially ten milligrams once a day. If necessary, the dosage can be increased up to 80 milligrams per day (especially when treating fluid retention in body tissue).

The tablets are best taken in the morning after breakfast.

The drug should always be discontinued “gradually”. This means that the dosage is gradually reduced to avoid sudden side effects.

What are the side effects of xipamide?

Xipamide rarely causes side effects such as low blood pressure, dizziness, dehydration (desiccosis), blood thickening and the formation of blood clots (thrombus formation), electrolyte losses, increased potassium levels, osteoporosis, changes in the blood count and erectile dysfunction.

What should be considered when taking xipamide?

Medicines containing xipamide must not be used if the person being treated has low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes or liver problems.

Interactions

If Xipamide is used together with other antihypertensive agents (for example with beta blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol), the decrease in blood pressure may increase.

If you take certain painkillers at the same time (such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac), the effect of xipamide can be weakened.

Driving and using machines

Especially at the beginning of treatment, unexpected conditions with a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) can occur, which can be accompanied by dizziness and fainting. Therefore it is essential to pay attention to the individual tolerance. It is best to discuss with a doctor whether you can actively drive or operate heavy machinery while using the antihypertensive agent.

Age restrictions

Medicines containing xipamide should not be used in children and adolescents, as there is only very limited experience with this.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

Xipamid is not considered the drug of choice for high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia) and breastfeeding. Instead, better-tested alternatives are available (such as alpha-methyldopa). If the use of Xipamide in pregnant or breastfeeding women is nevertheless considered, an experienced doctor should first weigh the individual benefit of the treatment against the potential risk.

How to get medication with xipamide

Successful treatment for high blood pressure and edema must be checked regularly by the doctor. Therefore, drugs containing xipamide require a prescription. They can only be obtained from the pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

Since when has xipamid been known?

The first thiazide diuretics date from the 1950s. As the newest member of the group, Xipamid has been found to be an agent that is more efficient than older thiazides while being as well tolerated as possible.

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