Home :: Drugs :: Bendroflumethiazide

Bendroflumethiazide - Learn about Bendroflumethiazide Side Effects and Precautions

Bendroflumethiazide Information

The pharmacology action of Bendroflumethiazide is that it enhances excretion of sodium, chloride, and water by interfering with transport of sodium ions across renal tubular epithelium.

Bendroflumethiazide is used in adjunctive therapy for edema associated with CHF, hepatic cirrhosis, and corticosteroid and estrogen therapy; treatment of edema associated with various forms of renal dysfunction (eg, nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure); management of hypertension

Interaction and Contraindication of Bendroflumethiazide

Interaction of Bendroflumethiazide - Alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics:  May potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin):  May decrease anticoagulant effects. May need to adjust dose of anticoagulant.
Antigout medications:  May require dosage adjustments caused by increase in uric acid levels.
Amphotericin B, corticosteroid, corticotropin:  May intensify electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia.
Bile acid sequestrants:  May reduce bendroflumethiazide absorption; give thiazide at least 1 hr before or 4 to 6 hr after bile acid sequestrant.
Calcium salts:  May decrease calcium excretion.
Diazoxide:  May cause hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and antihypertensive effects.
Digitalis glycosides:  Diuretic-induced hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may precipitate digitalis-induced arrhythmias.
Ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking agents:  Bendroflumethiazide may potentiate effects. May need to adjust the dose.
Lithium:  May decrease renal excretion of lithium.
Loop diuretics:  Synergistic effects may result in profound diuresis and serious electrolyte abnormalities.

Contraindication of Bendroflumethiazide - Anuria, hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide-derived drugs.

Side Effects of Bendroflumethiazide

Here are the list of some common side effects of Bendroflumethiazide :

• Restlessness (not uncommon); dizziness, vertigo, paresthesia, headache (occasionally).
  DERM:   Purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, pruritus, ecchymosis, urticaria, necrotizing angitis (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis) (occasionally); photosensitivity; rash
• Nausea, vomiting, cramping, anorexia (not uncommon); diarrhea, constipation, gastric irritation, abdominal bloating, sialoadenitis (occasionally); pancreatitis
• Leukopenia; agranulocytosis; thrombocytopenia; hemolytic anemia; aplastic anemia
• Jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic); hepatitis (occasionally).
• Fever
• Xanthopsia, transient blurred vision

Precaution and Warning while taking Bendroflumethiazide

The precaution and warnings of Bendroflumethiazide drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to take prescribed dose qd in the morning without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Advise patient that medication will initially increase urination but that this should go away after a few weeks of treatment.
• Advise patient that if a dose is missed to skip that dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Caution patient not to double the dose to catch up.
• Inform patient that drug controls but does not cure hypertension and to continue taking medication as prescribed even when BP is not elevated.
• Caution patient not to change the dose or stop taking unless advised by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to continue taking other BP medications as prescribed by health care provider.
• Instruct patient in BP and pulse measurement skills.
• Advise patient to monitor and record BP and pulse at home and to inform health care provider if abnormal measurements are noted. Also advise patient to take record of BP and pulse to each follow-up visit.
• Instruct patient to lie or sit down if experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness when standing.
• Caution patient that inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to excessive fall in BP, resulting in lightheadedness or fainting.
• Instruct diabetic patient to monitor blood glucose more frequently when drug is started or dose is changed and to inform health care provider of significant changes in readings.
• Caution patient to avoid unnecessary exposure to UV light (sunlight, tanning booths) and to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposed to UV light until tolerance is determined.
• Emphasize to hypertensive patient importance of the following modalities on BP: weight control, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderate intake of alcohol and salt.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient to inform health care provider if any of the following occur: muscle pain, weakness, or cramps; persistent nausea or vomiting; excessive thirst; unexplained tiredness; drowsiness; increased heart rate; unexplained joint pain; abnormal skin sensations.

How to store Bendroflumethiazide

• Administer qd in the morning without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Administer alone or in combination with other antihypertensives.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from excessive heat