How Xipamide works
Xipamide belongs to the group of thiazide-like diuretics, i.e., it is a diuretic. It inhibits the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the nephrons (smallest functional units of the kidney). Unlike conventional thiazides, xipamide acts from the blood side rather than the urinary side and is therefore effective even in severely impaired kidney function.
The body has a sophisticated system for regulating blood pressure. If more energy is needed, blood pressure is automatically increased or, in rest phases, reduced. If this system is disturbed, high blood pressure can result.
Those affected usually do not notice anything about it. In the long term, however, the small vessels in particular suffer from high blood pressure, for example those in the eyes and kidneys. If high blood pressure remains undetected for a long time, it can have serious consequences, such as loss of vision and kidney dysfunction.
The expelling effect of Xipamide is also exploited in the treatment of pathological water retention in the body. Such edema can result, for example, from cardiac insufficiency (heart failure).
Absorption, breakdown and excretion
Xipamide is rapidly and completely absorbed from the intestine into the blood after absorption by mouth (per oral) and distributed throughout the body. Subsequently, the active ingredient is partially broken down in the liver and excreted in the urine and stool.
When is xipamide used?
The indications for use (indications) of xipamide include:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- @ water retention in the tissues (edema)
How Xipamide is used
Xipamide is usually taken in tablet form. The initial dose is ten milligrams once a day. If necessary, the dosage in Germany can be increased to up to 80 milligrams a day, according to the specialist information. In Austria, the maximum daily dose is limited to 60 milligrams.
The drug should always be discontinued “gradually”. This means that the dosage is reduced gradually (abrupt discontinuation could cause acute symptoms).
What are the side effects of xipamide?
Rarely, Xipamide causes side effects such as decreased blood pressure, dizziness, dehydration (desiccosis), blood thickening and the formation of blood clots (thrombus formation), electrolyte losses, increased potassium levels, osteoporosis, changes in blood counts, and erectile dysfunction.
What should be considered when taking xipamide?
Contraindications
Xipamide should not be used in:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance, sulfonamides or other components of the drug
- severe liver dysfunction
- certain electrolyte disorders
- @ gout
- hypovolemia (lack of volume, i.e., decrease in the amount of circulating blood)
Interactions
When taken concomitantly with certain analgesics (such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac), the effect of Xipamide may be weakened.
Taking Xipamide together with lithium may increase its heart- and nerve-damaging effects and must therefore be monitored closely. Lithium is used, for example, in the treatment of mania and bipolar disorder.
The risk of severe potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) is increased by other drugs that may also cause such deficiency (such as loop diuretics and agents for constipation).
Xipamide may increase (such as quinidine and curare-type muscle relaxants) or decrease (such as antidiabetics, uric acid-lowering drugs, catecholamines) the effect of some other drugs.
Regular monitoring of electrolytes is recommended during treatment with Xipamide.
Trafficability and operation of machines
It is best to discuss with your doctor if you are allowed to actively drive and operate heavy machinery while using the antihypertensive.
Age restrictions
Medicines with xipamide should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age because of very limited experience.
Pregnancy and lactation
Xipamide is not considered the drug of choice for hypertension during pregnancy (preeclampsia) and lactation. Instead, better proven alternatives are available in such cases (alpha-methyldopa and metoprolol).
Nevertheless, if the use of xipamide in pregnant and breastfeeding women is considered, an experienced physician should first weigh the individual benefits of treatment against the potential risks.
According to the expert information, xipamide is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to lack of experience.
How to obtain medication with xipamide
There are currently no drugs containing xipamide registered or on the market in Switzerland.
How long has xipamide been known?
The first thiazide diuretics date back to the 1950s. As the latest representative of the group of thiazide-like diuretics, xipamide has been found to be more effective than older thiazides while being equally well tolerated.
