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Legal Classification Medication

POM

Bendroflumethiazide tablets can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).

Bendroflumethiazide comes in two strengths, 2.5mg and 5mg and are available in tablet form.

Class of drug

Thiazide diuretics

Indications

• Hypertension. High blood pressure
• Treatment of oedema. Fluid retention

How does it work?

Thiazide diuretics act inside the kidney, removing water from the blood and turning it into urine, by increasing the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, at a faster rate.

Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. The drop in fluid volume results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels, which then helps to lower high blood pressure (blood pressure lowering can take 3 to 4 days to occur). It also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body and therefore helping to maintain blood pressure.

How is it taken?

Increased production of urine by the kidneys (diuresis) starts with in 2 hours after taking benndroflumethiazide and lasts for 12-18 hours or longer. It is best to plan the dose according to a schedule that will least affect personal activities and sleep. Bendroflumethiazide is usually taken early in the morning for this reason.

In the treatment of hypertension bendroflumethiazide is given as 2.5mg daily and in the treatment of oedema (fluid retention in the skin, commonly ankles) it is given as 5mg daily.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

Bendroflumethiazide should be avoided in pregnancy because it decreases placental flow and increases the thickness of the blood.

Mothers who are breast feeding should avoid taking bendroflumethiazide as it passes into breast milk and can suppress milk production.

Contra-indications

Bendroflumethiazide should be avoided if you have any of the following apply to you. Please remember to always discuss with your own doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.

• Low blood potassium levels
• Low blood sodium levels
• Raised blood calcium levels
• Severe Liver disease
• Severe Kidney disease
• Gout sufferers
• Addison's disease (Disorder of the adrenal glands resulting in decreased production of particular hormones)

Side-effects

• Low blood pressure when suddenly standing up (Postural hypotension)
• Mild gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• Muscle weakness due to altered potassium and sodium levels
• Precipitate attacks of gout in susceptible patients
• Raised blood sugars
• Skin rashes
• Impotence (reversible)