Bendroflumethiazide

When and how do I take it?

The tablets are usually taken as a single dose. Take the tablet(s) whole with at least 100 ml (a small cupful) of water. Stick to the dose your doctor tells you. Take your tablet at the same time each day. This makes it easier to remember it. Most people take their tablet in the morning. Your doctor may change the number of tablets you take. This will depend on how well you respond to the treatment.

What’s the dose?

The dose will depend on your particular condition. Your doctor may give you between 2.5 mg and 10 mg at the start of your treatment. Your dose will normally be reduced to 2.5 mg or 5 mg daily, depending on your response.

Could it interact with other tablets?

Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines for:

• blood pressure
• heart problems
• diabetes
• inflammation or pain (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines)
• the removal of uric acid (the substance that causes gout) from the body
• high cholesterol
• irregular heartbeat
• depression (as you should not take Bendroflumethiazide tablets if you are taking lithium)

You should not take Bendroflumethiazide tablets if you are taking medicines that make you sensitive to light.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Bendroflumethiazide tablets can cause side effects. These are usually not serious but contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following more serious side effects;

• severe abdominal pain
• vomiting and back pain or severe pain in the head, chest, or pelvic area and skin sores.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following less serious problems;

• headache
• dizziness
• faintness (especially if standing up quickly)
• tiredness
• problems passing urine
• unusual thirst and dry mouth
• stomach upset
• a general malaise
• any bleeding problems
• excessive bruising
• increase in infections (particularly sore throats) or gout.

Other possible side effects are muscle cramps, skin rashes, prickling sensations, skin reactions to strong light, worsening of any short sightedness or difficulty for a man in achieving an erection.

It is normal to pass urine more often after taking the tablets. This is the usual way to get rid of excess water in your body.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

You are more likely to have a drop in blood pressure on standing or sitting up if you drink alcohol while you are being treated with Bendroflumethiazide. Depending on what other medication you are taking you may not be able to drink alcohol. Discuss this with your doctor.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor before you are given the tablets if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or you are breastfeeding as you should not take Bendroflumethiazide.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendroflumethiazide

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/bendroflumethiazide-tablets

http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=High%20blood%20pressure&medicine=bendroflumethiazide

http://www.medicines.org.uk/guides/bendroflumethiazide/blood%20pressure

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/bendroflumethiazide-side-effects.html