Bendroflumethiazide (Bendrofluazide) 💊

Always check the BNF here for up-to-date prescribing advice.

• ✔️ Refer to BNF or equivalent for safe, current dosing and contraindications.

⚙️ Mode of Action

• Thiazides block sodium reabsorption in the proximal segment of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
• Increased sodium is delivered to the distal nephron.
• The aldosterone-sensitive Na⁺/K⁺ exchange pump then causes ⬆️ potassium and hydrogen ion excretion.

📋 Indications & Standard Doses

• Hypertension: Bendroflumethiazide 2.5 mg OD
• Oedema: Bendroflumethiazide 5–10 mg OD

📏 Dose Range (check BNF/datasheet)

🔄 Interactions

• Often used with ACE inhibitors/ARBs to reduce hypokalaemia risk.
• May enhance lithium toxicity (reduced clearance).
• NSAIDs may blunt antihypertensive effect.

⚠️ Cautions

• Diabetes mellitus (may ↑ glucose).
• Gout (may ↑ uric acid, precipitate flares).
• Nephrotic syndrome.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

⛔ Contraindications

• Severe renal impairment (check BNF for details).
• Refractory hypokalaemia or hyponatraemia.
• Hypersensitivity to thiazides.

⚡ Side Effects

• Metabolic: ⬆️ calcium, glucose, urate; ⬇️ chloride, bicarbonate, potassium, magnesium, sodium.
• Acute gout.
• Blood disorders: ↓ WCC, granulocytes, platelets.
• Skin: Rashes, photosensitivity.
• Hepatic: Cholestatic jaundice.
• Pulmonary: Rare pneumonitis.

📚 References

• BNF – Bendroflumethiazide