Is indapamide (lozol) safer than a thiazide?
Article Abstract:
The drug indapamide is used to reduce hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure, and cause diuresis, the elimination of water from the body. Recent advertisements claim that this antihypertensive agent does not increase blood cholesterol levels and has little effect on potassium levels in the body. Specific chemical groups in the structure of indapamide are responsible for its natriuretic effect, or ability to increase sodium excretion, diuretic effect, and ability to decrease the resistance of blood vessels in the body to blood flow. Indapamide is broken down in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Although it does not cause a loss of magnesium, this drug causes hypokalemia, or decreased blood potassium levels. Indapamide has been shown to cause hyperuricemia, or increased blood levels of uric acid, and worsening of gout. The dosage and cost of the drug is described. There is no evidence demonstrating that indapamide is safer than thiazide diuretics; angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers may be better substitutes for thiazides. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind studies
Article Abstract:
ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers appear to be the most effective drugs for reducing left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy is an enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart, which is a risk factor for chronic heart disease. Researchers used meta-analysis to evaluate 39 controlled clinical trials that evaluated the role that antihypertensive drugs can play in reducing left ventricular hypertrophy. All of the drugs reduced left ventricular hypertrophy as well as blood pressure. Greater reductions in left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with greater reductions in blood pressure and longer treatment. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers were most effective in reducing left ventricular hypertrophy, compared to beta blockers and diuretics.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Trandolapril: an ACE inhibitor for treatment of hypertension
Article Abstract:
The newly approved ACE inhibitor trandolapril (Mavik) may be similar to the drug profiles of other such antihypertensive agents. Trandolapril seems to offer no substantial advantage over the eight ACE inhibitors currently available. Typical side effects include cough and fetal toxicity. Drug doses of one milligram per day for non-black people should be doubled or quadrupled for black patients. In terms of cost, trandolapril is one of the least expensive choices.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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