Bendroflumethiazide

For high blood pressure, the usual adult dose is one 2.5 mg tablet taken once daily in the morning. For swelling, your doctor may start you on 5 mg to 10 mg daily, then reduce the dose once the swelling goes down. Take it in the morning so you are not waking up at night to urinate. You can take it with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only if it is still morning. If it is already afternoon or evening, skip the missed dose and take your next dose the following morning. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.

• Passing urine more often than usual (especially in the first few days)
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up
• mild stomach upset or loss of appetite
• muscle cramps or weakness
• feeling unusually thirsty

NSAIDs like ibuprofen (commonly sold in Nigeria) can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of this drug and may harm your kidneys — avoid regular use together. Digoxin (used for heart problems) becomes more dangerous if bendroflumethiazide lowers your potassium, so your doctor should monitor your blood levels. Alcohol can increase dizziness and the blood pressure drop, so limit or avoid drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it near windows or in your car. Keep the tablets in their original container and far out of reach of children.

Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies

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