Natrilix 1.5mg SR Tablet

Natrilix 1.5mg SR Tablet is the original Servier brand of indapamide in a sustained-release (SR) formulation, prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic that combines a mild diuretic effect with a direct vasodilating (blood-vessel-relaxing) action, and the sustained-release formulation allows a lower daily dose with a smoother, once-daily blood-pressure-lowering effect compared to older immediate-release thiazide diuretics.

As a prescription-only medicine, Natrilix SR requires a doctor’s assessment before it can be dispensed. Through DoctorOnCall, customers requiring Natrilix SR complete an online consultation so a doctor can review their blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte status before a prescription is issued and the order is processed.

Indapamide reduces sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, promoting excretion of sodium and water and reducing circulating blood volume, similar to classic thiazide diuretics. Unlike older thiazides, indapamide also has a direct vasodilating effect on blood vessel walls, independent of its diuretic action, which contributes significantly to its blood-pressure-lowering effect; the sustained-release formulation releases the drug gradually, allowing a lower 1.5mg dose to achieve smooth, once-daily blood pressure control with less impact on blood electrolytes than higher immediate-release doses.

Take Natrilix SR once daily, preferably in the morning, with or without food, and swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water without crushing or chewing it, as breaking the sustained-release formulation can affect how the drug is absorbed. Do not stop or adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.

The standard adult dose is one 1.5mg SR tablet taken once daily, and this dose is generally not increased further, as blood pressure benefit tends to plateau while side effects, particularly electrolyte disturbances, increase at higher doses. Periodic blood tests to check kidney function, sodium, and potassium levels are recommended, especially in elderly patients or those on other medicines that affect electrolytes.

Natrilix SR tablets are typically stable for up to 36 months from the date of manufacture when stored unopened in original packaging; always check the expiry date printed on the blister or carton before use.

Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of reach of children. Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until ready for use.

• Known hypersensitivity to indapamide, other sulfonamide-derived drugs, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Severe kidney impairment
• Severe liver impairment or hepatic encephalopathy
• Uncorrected low blood potassium levels
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless specifically directed by a doctor

• Lithium levels may rise significantly when combined with indapamide, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity, and this combination requires close monitoring
• Medicines that can prolong the heart’s QT interval, combined with the low potassium levels indapamide can cause, may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm disturbances
• NSAIDs taken regularly may reduce the diuretic and blood-pressure-lowering effect of indapamide
• Potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements may be combined under medical supervision to offset potassium loss, but should not be self-initiated
• Other blood pressure medicines may have an additive blood-pressure-lowering effect

• Swallow the SR tablet whole; do not crush, split, or chew it, as this can alter how the medicine is released
• Attend scheduled blood tests to monitor potassium, sodium, and kidney function, particularly if you are elderly or on other medicines affecting electrolytes
• Report unusual muscle cramps, weakness, or persistent dizziness to your doctor promptly, as these may signal an electrolyte imbalance
• Use sun protection if you notice increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Take this medicine at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, for consistent blood pressure control

Natrilix SR’s sustained-release formulation and low 1.5mg dose were specifically developed to deliver effective once-daily blood pressure control while minimising the electrolyte disturbances more commonly seen with older, higher-dose thiazide diuretics. It remains a well-established option for long-term hypertension management, but because it can affect electrolyte balance, periodic blood tests and medical follow-up are an important part of safe, ongoing use.