Products
Xipamide is not currently registered or commercially available in many countries. In Germany and Austria, it is available in tablet form (Aquaphor, Aquaphoril, generics).
Structure and properties
Xipamide (C15H15ClN2O4S, Mr = 354.8 g/mol) has a sulfonamide structure and is structurally related to the thiazides, but acts from the blood side. It exists as a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water.
Effects
Xipamide (ATC C03BA10) has diuretic and antihypertensive properties. The effects are due to inhibition of sodium chloride reabsorption in the distal tubule of the nephron. This also promotes the excretion of water, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium.
Indications
For the treatment of hypertension and water retention in the body (edema).
Abuse
Xipamide is used as a masking agent in competitive sports. It is thought to promote the excretion of doping agents and make them more difficult to detect. Masking agents such as diuretics are banned under the doping list. Professional cyclist Fränk Schleck tested positive for the drug at the 2012 Tour de France.
Dosage
According to the drug label. The tablets are usually taken once daily in the morning after breakfast. The daily dose ranges from 10 to a maximum of 80 mg.
Contraindications
Xipamide is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or thiazides, severe hepatic impairment, refractory hypokalemia, severe hyponatremia, hypercalcemia, hypovolemia, gout, pregnancy, and lactation. For complete precautions and interactions information, see the Drug Information Leaflet.
Adverse Effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, sweating, lack of drive, lethargy, anxiety, agitation, palpitations, low blood pressure, upper abdominal discomfort, crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, muscle cramps, and disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypovolemia, and dehydration).
