Bendroflumethiazide

About Bendroflumethiazide

Bendroflumethiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid buildup and swelling (oedema).

How does Bendroflumethiazide work?

Bendroflumethiazide works in your kidney to increase the number of times you urinate to get rid of excess water and salts (potassium and sodium).

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Frequent urination

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Thirst and dry mouth

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Tiredness

• Thrush

• Joint pains

• Blurred vision

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:

• Severe thirst with dark and strong smelling urine and feel dizzy or lightheaded

• Urinate less than four times a day

• Severe and sudden stomach pains

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking bendroflumethiazide.

• It is not recommended to take alcohol when taking bendroflumethiazide. Both substances can cause your blood pressure to drop (hypotension), dehydration and dizziness.

• Caffeine (tea, coffee, chocolate, cola, energy drinks) are not recommended. Caffeine makes you urinate.

  This can increase the possibility of dehydration when taken with bendroflumethiazide.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use insulin or painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen).

• You should talk to your doctor if you have gout or diabetes. Bendroflumethiazide can worsen your gout and affect your blood sugar control.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Useful information

It is advisable to take this medication in the morning or before 6:00 in the evening (6pm) to avoid sleep disturbances at night due to increased urination.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Bendroflumethiazide can make you feel dizzy. It is not advisable to drive or operate machinery when you experience these symptoms.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Bendroflumethiazide isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

• Bendroflumethiazide has not been shown to affect sexual performance. It can rarely cause erectile dysfunction.

  Do not stop taking this medication if you experience this. Inform your doctor or pharmacist for a solution.

• Bendroflumethiazide does not affect contraceptives. It is however not advisable to for women with high blood pressure to take contraceptives.

  Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you want a contraceptive method. Certain contraceptives such as the combined pill can affect the effectiveness of bendroflumethiazide.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not advisable to take bendroflumethiazide when trying to get pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bendroflumethiazide may not harm your baby, but reduce the amount of breast milk you produce.