Common Use

Lozol is a thiazide-like diuretic containing the active substance benzamide-sulfonamide-indole (Indapamide). Its pharmacological properties are similar to thiazide diuretics, affecting sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle. Lozol increases the excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium through urine. It is primarily used to treat hypertension, either alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. Long-term treatment with Lozol is necessary, with therapeutic effects typically observed after 1-2 weeks, peaking at 8-12 weeks, and lasting up to 8 weeks.

Dosage and Direction

Take Lozol once daily in the morning, either before breakfast or with food. The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg as a single daily dose, which may be increased up to 5 mg based on the patient's needs.

Precautions

Lozol and other diuretics promote the excretion of salts and potassium, which can lead to significant losses, particularly in elderly women. Symptoms of low potassium (hypokalemia) include muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. To counteract this, a potassium-rich diet or supplements may be recommended. The risk of hypokalemia increases with higher doses, in patients with cirrhosis, or those treated with corticosteroids or ACTH. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, potassium levels, and creatinine is essential, especially for individuals with heart conditions or those taking heart medications. Close monitoring of potassium, sodium, magnesium, pH, glucose, uric acid, and residual nitrogen levels is also necessary for patients with gout, high uric acid levels, liver disease, diabetes, lupus, or kidney dysfunction.

Contraindications

Lozol should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to its components, severe liver or kidney failure (anuria), or hypokalemia. High doses are contraindicated for treating edema in patients with cerebrovascular accidents or decompensated diabetes with ketoacidosis. It should also be avoided in individuals with lactose intolerance, galactosemia, or glucose malabsorption syndrome due to the presence of lactose in the medication. Caution is advised for those with electrolyte imbalances, moderate liver or kidney failure, ascites, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hyperuricemia (gout), hyperparathyroidism, elderly patients, and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Possible Side Effects

The frequency of side effects depends on the dosage. Potential side effects include agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dry mouth, infections, irritability, muscle cramps or spasms, numbness in hands and feet, nervousness, nasal inflammation, pain, tension, fatigue, weakness, and loss of energy.

Drug Interactions

Lozol may cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Patients taking digoxin (Lanoxin) may experience fatal arrhythmias due to toxicity. Cardiac arrhythmias can also occur with the use of amiodarone (Cordarone) and indapamide. Diuretics can reduce the elimination of lithium by the kidneys, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention in case of overdose, which may manifest as electrolyte imbalance, nausea, stomach disorders, vomiting, or weakness.

Storage

Store Lozol tablets at room temperature, between 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. We are not responsible for any errors in the information or for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from its use or self-treatment.