Xipamide is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control.
It is also used to treat water retention. Water retention may be noticed as swelling of the feet, ankles, lower leg, and hands, or shortness of breath. For this reason, Xipamide is commonly known as “water pill”.
Take Xipamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may need to pass urine more often while being treated with this medicine. Take Xipamide early in the day, preferably in the morning, to avoid you from waking up frequently at night to go to the toilet.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Xipamide must be taken regularly for it to work well. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe electrolyte imbalance e.g. low level of potassium in the blood
- hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- untreated Addison’s disease (a rare disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient hormones)
- hypovolaemia (low blood volume in your body)
- symptoms of high uric acid level in the blood e.g. gout
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease that is causing you to become unconscious
as Xipamide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- enlarged prostate
- heart disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- liver disease
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. electrolyte, kidney function, uric acid levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Regular monitoring of your weight and fluid levels may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Xipamide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, dry mouth, muscle cramps, headache, fatigue, and sweating.
Xipamide may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicine to treat high blood pressure
- medicine for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. metformin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Xipamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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