Bendroflumethiazide
Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used in the UK for high blood pressure and sometimes for mild fluid retention as part of a care plan. It increases salt and water loss through the kidneys, which lowers blood volume and pressure.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: bendroflumethiazide
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used in the UK for high blood pressure and sometimes for mild fluid retention as part of a care plan.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
More frequent urination, dizziness, muscle cramps from low potassium, or raised uric acid with gout risk.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
NSAIDs reduce diuretic effect and can harm kidneys.
More about what Bendroflumethiazide is used for
Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used in the UK for high blood pressure and sometimes for mild fluid retention as part of a care plan.
It increases salt and water loss through the kidneys, which lowers blood volume and pressure.
How does Bendroflumethiazide work, and how long does it take to work?
It acts on the distal kidney tubule to reduce sodium reabsorption, increasing urine output and gradually lowering blood pressure.
Effects on electrolytes mean periodic blood tests are usual.
How and when should you take Bendroflumethiazide?
Often taken in the morning to limit night-time urination. Swallow tablets with water as your label directs.
Do not double doses after missed tablets without advice.
What are the common side effects of Bendroflumethiazide?
More frequent urination, dizziness, muscle cramps from low potassium, or raised uric acid with gout risk.
Thirst and tiredness can occur.
Serious side effects of Bendroflumethiazide — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe confusion, fainting, palpitations, or severe rash.
Severe vomiting or diarrhoea while on diuretics can disturb salts quickly — seek advice the same day.
What if you miss a dose of Bendroflumethiazide?
Take when remembered unless late in the day when sleep would be disturbed; skip if unsure and continue next day after pharmacist advice.
Who should not take Bendroflumethiazide?
Severe kidney or liver failure, symptomatic gout flares needing change, and severe low sodium or potassium without correction.
Pregnancy needs individual review.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Bendroflumethiazide? — other interactions
NSAIDs reduce diuretic effect and can harm kidneys. Lithium toxicity risk rises. Digoxin toxicity risk rises if potassium falls.
Bendroflumethiazide in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber — thiazides cross the placenta and enter breast milk in small amounts.
Blood tests and monitoring on Bendroflumethiazide
Urea, electrolytes, glucose, and uric acid may be checked after starting and when unwell.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Bendroflumethiazide?
Indapamide, chlortalidone, or other antihypertensive classes may be used if bendroflumethiazide is unsuitable.
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Frequently asked questions about Bendroflumethiazide
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Bendroflumethiazide used for?
- Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used in the UK for high blood pressure and sometimes for mild fluid retention as part of a care plan. It increases salt and water loss through the kidneys, which lowers blood volume and pressure.
- How long does Bendroflumethiazide take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Bendroflumethiazide with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- NSAIDs reduce diuretic effect and can harm kidneys.
- What are the side effects of Bendroflumethiazide?
- More frequent urination, dizziness, muscle cramps from low potassium, or raised uric acid with gout risk. Thirst and tiredness can occur. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Will bendroflumethiazide make me get up at night?
- Morning dosing is usual to reduce night-time trips to the toilet. If you still pass urine frequently at night, mention it to your GP.
- Can bendroflumethiazide trigger gout?
- It can raise uric acid in some people. If you have gout, tell your prescriber — they may choose a different tablet or monitor you.
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