Bendroflumethiazide

High blood pressure. Also sometimes used for mild fluid retention (oedema).

Thiazide diuretics act on the kidneys to increase the excretion of sodium and water. This reduces blood volume slightly and also relaxes blood vessel walls over time. At the 2.5mg dose, you won't be running to the loo all day -- the blood pressure effect comes through a different mechanism.

Adults with high blood pressure. Often used as a first-line treatment or in combination with other blood pressure medications. Not suitable if you have severe kidney or liver problems, low potassium, or gout.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Bendroflumethiazide from £20.99 per pack.

Common: increased urination, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances (low sodium, potassium), muscle cramps, thirst. Uncommon: gout, raised blood glucose, rash. Spironolactone specifically: breast tenderness/gynaecomastia, menstrual irregularities.

Do not use in severe renal failure (except furosemide in some cases), Addison's disease (spironolactone), severe hyponatraemia or hypokalaemia, hepatic coma/precoma.

NSAIDs can reduce diuretic effect and increase renal risk. Risk of dangerously low potassium with other potassium-depleting drugs (except spironolactone which is potassium-sparing). Lithium levels may increase. ACE inhibitors: risk of first-dose hypotension.

Diuretics should generally be avoided in pregnancy - they reduce placental perfusion. Spironolactone is specifically contraindicated (anti-androgenic effects). Use only under specialist supervision if essential.

Take in the morning. Blood tests needed to monitor kidney function, sodium and potassium. Can worsen gout. May slightly affect blood sugar levels. Stay hydrated but don't overdo it.