Arifon

Arifon Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Arifon is a diuretic antihypertensive. It appears to cause vasodilation, probably by inhibiting the passage of calcium and other ions (sodium, potassium) across membranes. It has an extra-renal antihypertensive action resulting in a decrease in vascular hyperreactivity and a reduction in total peripheral and arteriolar resistance.

Classified as a sulfonamide diuretic, indapamide is an effective antihypertensive agent and by extension, has shown efficacy in the prevention of target organ damage.Administration of indapamide produces water and electrolyte loss, with higher doses associated with increased diuresis. Severe and clinically significant electrolyte disturbances may occur with indapamide use - for example, hypokalemia resulting from renal potassium loss may lead to QTc prolongation. Further electrolyte imbalances may occur due to renal excretion of sodium, chloride, and magnesium.

Other indapamide induced changes include increases in plasma renin and aldosterone, and reduced calcium excretion in the urine. In many studies investigating the effects of indapamide in both non-diabetic and diabetic hypertensive patients, glucose tolerance was not significantly altered. However, additional studies are necessary to assess the long term metabolic impacts of indapamide, since thiazide related impaired glucose tolerance can take several years to develop in non-diabetic patients.

Trade Name Arifon
Availability Prescription only
Generic Indapamide
Indapamide Other Names Indapamid, Indapamida, Indapamide, Indapamidum, Metindamide
Related Drugs amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, Lasix, chlorthalidone, torsemide
Type
Formula C16H16ClN3O3S
Weight Average: 365.835
Monoisotopic: 365.06008979
Protein binding

Approximately 76-79% of indapamide is protein bound. Indapamide binds primarily to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and less significantly to serum albumin and lipoproteins. In the blood, indapamide is extensively and preferentially bound to erythrocytes.

Groups Approved
Therapeutic Class Thiazide diuretics & related drugs
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Arifon
Arifon

Uses

Arifon is used for the treatment of essential hypertension . It is effective in treating hypertension in patients with renal function impairment, although its diuretic effect is reduced. Arifon is also used for the treatment of salt and fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure.

Arifon is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Recurrent Nephrolithiasis, Sodium and fluid retention

How Arifon works

Arifon acts on the nephron, specifically at the proximal segment of the distal convoluted tubule where it inhibits the Na+/Cl- cotransporter, leading to reduced sodium reabsorption. As a result, sodium and water are retained in the lumen of the nephron for urinary excretion. The effects that follow include reduced plasma volume, reduced venous return, lower cardiac output, and ultimately decreased blood pressure.

Interestingly, it is likely that thiazide-like diuretics such as indapamide have additional blood pressure lowering mechanisms that are unrelated to diuresis. This is exemplified by the observation that the antihypertensive effects of thiazides are sustained 4-6 weeks after initiation of therapy, despite recovering plasma and extracellular fluid volumes.

Some studies have suggested that indapamide may decrease responsiveness to pressor agents while others have suggested it can decrease peripheral resistance. Although it is clear that diuresis contributes to the antihypertensive effects of indapamide, further studies are needed to investigate the medication’s ability to decrease peripheral vascular resistance and relax vascular smooth muscle.

Dosage

Arifon dosage

One tablet daily preferably in the morning. In more sever case Arifon can be combine with other categories of anti-hypertensive agent. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established

Side Effects

Side effects of Arifon include headache, anorexia, gastric irritation,nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea etc.

Toxicity

Arifon overdose symptoms may include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte disturbances and weakness. Other signs of overdose include respiratory depression and severe hypotension. In cases of overdose, supportive care interventions may be necessary to manage symptoms. Emesis and gastric lavage may be recommended to empty the stomach; however, patients should be monitored closely for any electrolyte or fluid imbalances.

Precaution

Monitoring of potassium and uric acid serum levels is recommended, especially in subjects with a predisposition or sensitivity to hypokalemia and in patients with gout. Although no allergic manifestations have been reported during clinical trials, patients with a history of allergy to sulfonamide derivatives should be closely monitored.

Interaction

Other antihypertensive: Arifon may add to or potentiate the action of other antihypertensive drugs.

Norepinephrine: Arifon like thiazides, may decrease arterial responsiveness to norepinephrine.

Lithium: In general, diuretics should not be given concomitantly with lithium because they reduce its renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity.

Food Interaction

  • Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
  • Increase consumption of potassium-rich foods. Arifon my cause potassium depletion leading to hypokalemia.
  • Take with or without food.

Arifon Alcohol interaction

[Moderate]

Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation.

Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents.

Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs.

Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

Arifon Cholesterol interaction

[Moderate] Thiazide diuretics may increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, primarily LDL and VLDL.

Whether these effects are dose-related and sustained during chronic therapy are unknown.

Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during thiazide therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen

Volume of Distribution

Some sources report an apparent volume of distribution of 25 L for indapamide, while others report a value of approximately 60 L.

Elimination Route

The bioavailability of indapamide is virtually complete after an oral dose and is unaffected by food or antacids. Arifon is highly lipid-soluble due to its indoline moiety - a characteristic that likely explains why indapamide’s renal clearance makes up less than 10% of its total systemic clearance. The Tmax occurs approximately 2.3 hours after oral administration. The Cmax and AUC0-24 values are 263 ng/mL and 2.95 ug/hr/mL, respectively.

Half Life

Arifon is characterized by biphasic elimination. In healthy subjects, indapamide's elimination half-life can range from 13.9 to 18 hours. The long half-life is conducive to once-daily dosing.

Clearance

Arifon's renal and hepatic clearance values are reported to be 1.71 mL/min and 20-23.4 mL/min, respectively.

Elimination Route

An estimated 60-70% of indapamide is eliminated in the urine, while 16-23% is eliminated in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and so Arifon is not recommended. Mothers taking Arifon should not breast feed.

Contraindication

This drug must not be taken in the following conditions:

  • Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides
  • Severe renal failure
  • Hepatic encephalopathy or severe hepatic failure
  • Hypokalaemia

Acute Overdose

Symptoms: These could include: allergies, skin rashes, epigastric pain, nausea, photosensitivity, dizziness, weakness and paraesthesia.Treatment: Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, directed at correcting the electrolyte abnormalities.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Arifon

Arifon contains Indapamide see full prescribing information from innovator Arifon Monograph, Arifon MSDS, Arifon FDA label

FAQ

What is Arifon used for?

Arifon is a thiazide-like diuretic drug generally used in the treatment of hypertension, as well as decompensated heart failure.

How safe is Arifon ?

Arifon is safe to take for a long time. You will have to see your doctor or nurse every so often to get your blood pressure checked and have blood and urine tests. This is to make sure the chemicals in your blood are balanced properly and your kidneys are working well.

How does Arifon work?

Arifon make your body get rid of extra fluid through your kidneys. This increases the amount of salts (such as sodium and potassium) and water you pee out. This means you have less fluid in your body and blood, which helps reduce blood pressure.

What are the common side effects of Arifon?

Common side effects of Arifon are include:
peeing more than normal - most people need to pee a couple of times within a few hours of taking indapamide, and you may also lose a bit of weight as your body loses water. mild skin rash. feeling or being sick. feeling dizzy or faint.

Is Arifon safe during pregnancy?

Arifon should not normally be used during pregnancy. Thiazide diuretics can reduce blood flow to the baby through the placenta and, if used in the third trimester, can cause problems such as jaundice, disturbances in the baby's electrolyte levels and problems with the growth of the baby.

Is Arifon safe during breastfeeding ?

Arifon is not recommended for women who wish to breastfeed because it passes into breast milk and could have side effects on a nursing infant. Arifon may also affect the production of breast milk.

Can I drink alcohol with Arifon?

If you have high blood pressure, it's best not to drink alcohol in large amounts while you're taking Arifon. It may raise your blood pressure, make you feel dizzy and cause dehydration.

When is the best time to take Arifon ?

It's usual to take it once a day, in the morning. Do not take Arifon too late in the day (after 4pm) or at night, otherwise you may have to wake up to go to the toilet.

How often can I take Arifon?

It's usual to take Arifon once a day, in the morning.

Can I take Arifon on empty stomach?

Arifon tablets can be taken either with or without food, on a full or empty stomach.

How long does Arifon take to work?

This means you have less fluid in your body and blood, which helps reduce blood pressure. Arifon will start to work within 2 hours of taking it. However, it may take up to a week to see an initial effect on your blood pressure and up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen.

How long does Arifon stay in my system?

Arifon keeps working to reduce your blood pressure for as long as you take it. It stays in the body for 3 to 4 days after you stop taking it.

Can I take Arifon for a long time?

Arifon oral tablet is used for long-term treatment of high blood pressure. It's used for short-term or long-term drug treatment of edema.

Is Arifon safe for kidneys?

Arifon is a safe and effective agent to use in lowering the blood pressure of hypertensive patients with normal renal function.

Can Arifon affect my kidneys?

Arifon can cause kidney problems. This Arifon should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. For people with liver disease: Arifon can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can worsen your liver disease.

Can Arifon affects my heart ?

Arifon may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

What happen If I stop taking Arifon?

If you stop taking the drug or don't take it at all: Don't stop taking Arifon without talking to your doctor. Stopping this drug suddenly may cause your blood pressure to spike. This may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have heart failure, you may experience fluid buildup.

Can Arifon affects my liver?

Arifon can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can worsen your liver disease. People with liver disease should use this drug with caution.

Can Arifon cause cancer?

Arifon increased risk of developing specific types of skin cancer.

Can Arifon cause eye problems?

This Arifon can cause certain eye problems. If left untreated, this can lead to lasting eyesight loss.

What are the common side effects of Arifon?

You should not use this Arifon if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or if you are unable to urinate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, and muscle pain or weakness.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Share