Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic for high blood pressure. This type of medication is also referred to as water tablets, as it reduces the amount of fluid your body retains. By making you pass more urine, water tablets remove fluid from your body, which lowers your blood pressure levels and makes it less strenuous for your heart to pump your blood through your body. When used to treat hypertension, bendroflumethiazide tablets are often combined with other medications, such as beta blockers.

When you are first prescribed bendroflumethiazide, your GP will explain how often you have to take your tablets. It is important that you follow your doctor’s advice carefully and that you attend regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure. Usually, bendroflumethiazide is taken in the morning, to avoid frequent urination at night. Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water.

Your doctor will decide which dosage is best for you. The usual bendroflumethiazide dosage for the treatment of blood pressure is 2.5mg per day. Which exact dosage you require depends on your blood pressure, how you respond to the treatment and which other medications you are taking. Combination medications such as Prestim contain bendroflumethiazide as well as a beta blocker, reducing the amount of tablets you need to take in a day. Elderly patients and patients with impaired kidney function may be prescribed a lower dosage. Please note, product packaging may differ from the image above.

During long term treatment with bendroflumethiazide, your doctor may carry out blood or urine tests to monitor your blood levels of certain chemicals as well as your kidney function.

Will bendroflumethiazide affect my ability to drive and use machinery?

Some patients experience spells of dizziness while taking bendroflumethiazide tablets. Make sure this does not apply to you before driving a car or working with machinery, especially if you have just begun your treatment. If the side effect of dizziness persists, speak to your doctor who may need to adjust your medication.

Who can not take bendroflumethiazide?

Bendroflumethiazide tablets are not suitable for you if:

• you are allergic to any ingredients
• have severely impaired kidney or liver function
• high blood levels of calcium
• low blood levels of potassium
• low blood levels of sodium
• have or have had gout
• have addison’s disease

Tell your doctor before taking bendroflumethiazide if:

• your kidney or liver function is mildly impaired
• you suffer from liver disease caused by alcohol abuse
• have diabetes
• suffer from a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus
• suffer from an inherited blood disorder which causes skin blisters, abdominal pain and disorders affecting the nervous system

Bendroflumethiazide is not to be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Bendroflumethiazide side effects

Bendroflumethiazide causes side effects in some patients.

Allergic reactions to bendroflumethiazide can cause:

• skin rashes
• viral infections of the lungs
• sensitivity to sunlight
• fluid in the lungs

Bendroflumethiazide can cause changes to your blood, which may show in blood tests.

Changes in the composition of your blood can cause:

• increased bruising
• sore throats
• nosebleeds
• infections
• tiredness
• breathlessness
• pale skin

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

• worsening of existing diabetes
• decreased tolerance to carbohydrates
• increased blood levels of uric acid
• worsening of gout
• changes in your blood fat levels
• increased frequency and amount of urination
• feeling ill
• muscle weakness and cramps
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• erection problems
• dizziness

For a complete list of bendroflumethiazide side effects, read the patient leaflet supplied with your medication.