Bendroflumethiazide

Question 1

What drugs are part of the class thiazide diuretics?

Answer 1

Bendroflumethiazide
Indapamide (thiazide like diuretic)
Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide like)
Chlortiladone (thiazide like)

Question 2

How does bendroflumethiazide work?

Answer 2

It is an inhibitor of the Na+/Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule - it inhibits sodium and chloride resorption, resulting in a reduction in blood volume and pressure

Question 3

What are the indications for bendroflumethiazide?

Answer 3

Oedema in mild to moderate heart failure
Hypertension (indapamide usually used)

Question 4

What are the common side effects of bendroflumethiazide?

Answer 4

Elevated LDL cholesterol
Gout
Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperglycaemia)
Postural hypotension

Question 5

What are the important side effects of bendroflumethiazide?

Answer 5

Impotence
Blood disorders - thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis

Question 6

What are the contraindications to bendroflumethiazide?

Answer 6

Caution in:
- Malnutrition
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Renal impairment

Contraindications:
- Addison’s
- Hypercalcaemia
- Hyponatraemia

Question 7

What does bendroflumethiazide interact with?

Answer 7

Other antihypertensives - risk of hypotension
Antidiabetic drugs - reduces effects of antidiabetic drugs
Lithium - increase plasma concentration of lithium
NSAIDs - impaired diuresis and risk of nephrotoxicity

Question 8

How should bendroflumethiazide be monitored?

Answer 8

Monitor U&Es to detect any electrolyte abnormalities - especially in high doses or long term treatment