Cardide SR (Indapamide) 1.5mg Tablets TEVA
What is Cardide SR 1.5mg?
Cardide SR 1.5mg contains Indapamide 1.5mg in a sustained-release (SR) formulation — meaning the active ingredient is released slowly and steadily throughout the day, providing consistent blood pressure control with a single morning dose.
Indapamide belongs to a class of medicines called thiazide-like diuretics. However, unlike traditional diuretics, at 1.5mg it works primarily as a vasodilator — relaxing and widening blood vessels — rather than just increasing urine output. This makes it particularly well suited for long-term blood pressure management with minimal disruption to daily life.
Cardide SR is manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals — one of the world's largest and most respected generic medicine manufacturers — ensuring consistent quality, safety, and efficacy in every tablet.
What is Cardide SR 1.5mg Used For?
- ✅ High blood pressure (hypertension) — the primary and most common use; helps lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels
- ✅ Reducing cardiovascular risk — long-term use helps lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and hypertension-related organ damage
- ✅ Mild fluid retention — may help reduce mild oedema associated with hypertension
How Does Cardide SR 1.5mg Work?
Cardide SR works through a dual-action mechanism:
1. Vasodilation (Primary Action at 1.5mg) At this low sustained-release dose, indapamide primarily relaxes the smooth muscle walls of blood vessels — reducing vascular resistance and allowing blood to flow more freely. This directly lowers blood pressure without causing significant fluid loss.
2. Mild Diuretic Effect (Secondary Action) Indapamide also acts on the kidneys' distal tubule, mildly increasing the excretion of sodium and water. This secondary effect contributes to a further gentle reduction in blood volume and pressure.
The SR (sustained-release) formulation ensures the medicine is released gradually over 24 hours — avoiding the peaks and troughs of immediate-release formulations and delivering smoother, more consistent blood pressure control throughout the day and night.
How to Take Cardide SR 1.5mg Tablets
- Take one tablet once daily, preferably in the morning
- Can be taken with or without food
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water — do not crush, split, or chew, as this destroys the sustained-release mechanism
- Take it at the same time every day for best results
- Continue taking even if you feel well — high blood pressure often has no symptoms
- Do not stop taking Cardide SR suddenly without first speaking to your doctor
☀️ Sun sensitivity tip: Indapamide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
Who Should NOT Take Cardide SR 1.5mg?
Do not take Cardide SR 1.5mg if you have:
- Severe kidney impairment or kidney failure (anuria)
- Severe liver disease or hepatic encephalopathy
- Low potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
- Low sodium levels (hyponatraemia)
- Known allergy to indapamide, sulphonamides, or any component of the tablet
- A rare condition called hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels)
⚠️ Special caution needed if you have:
- Diabetes — indapamide may affect blood sugar levels
- Gout — may slightly raise uric acid levels
- Heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation)
- Are taking digoxin, lithium, or antiarrhythmic medicines
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all medicines you are currently taking before starting Cardide SR.
Common Side Effects of Cardide SR 1.5mg
One of the advantages of the 1.5mg SR formulation is its improved tolerability compared to higher-dose diuretics. Most patients experience few or no side effects.
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Low potassium (hypokalaemia) | Common (monitor regularly) |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Common |
| Fatigue or tiredness | Common |
| Muscle cramps | Less common |
| Nausea or digestive discomfort | Less common |
| Dry mouth | Less common |
| Skin rash or sensitivity to sunlight | Less common |
| Low sodium (hyponatraemia) | Less common |
| Headache | Less common |
| Gout flare-up | Rare |
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice an irregular heartbeat, severe muscle weakness, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing.
Important Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following, as they may interact with Cardide SR:
- Lithium — indapamide can increase lithium blood levels, raising the risk of toxicity
- Digoxin — potassium loss caused by indapamide can increase digoxin's effects on the heart
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol) — risk of irregular heart rhythm increased if potassium drops
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) — may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of Cardide SR
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs — commonly prescribed alongside indapamide but require monitoring for low sodium and potassium
- Diabetes medications — may require dose adjustment as indapamide can affect blood glucose
Cardide SR 1.5mg – Quick Reference
| Brand Name | Cardide SR |
| Manufacturer | TEVA Pharmaceuticals |
| Active Ingredient | Indapamide 1.5mg |
| Formulation | Sustained-release (SR) oral tablet |
| Drug Class | Thiazide-like diuretic / vasodilator |
| Dosing Frequency | Once daily (morning) |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Primary Use | Hypertension (high blood pressure) |
Cardide SR vs Standard Indapamide — What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Cardide SR 1.5mg | Standard Indapamide 2.5mg |
|---|---|---|
| Release type | Sustained-release | Immediate-release |
| Dose | 1.5mg | 2.5mg |
| Action duration | Smooth, 24-hour release | Faster peak, shorter action |
| Primary mechanism | Vasodilation + mild diuresis | Diuresis + vasodilation |
| Tolerability | Generally better tolerated | More pronounced diuretic effect |
| Dosing | Once daily | Once daily |
The SR formulation at 1.5mg is generally preferred for long-term hypertension management due to its smoother action and better tolerability.
Why Buy Cardide SR from Amkamed Pharmaceuticals?
At Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, your health, safety, and convenience are our top priorities:
- 🏥 100% genuine TEVA-manufactured tablets — quality guaranteed
- 🚚 Fast, discreet, and reliable nationwide delivery
- 💊 Licensed pharmacists available for expert guidance
- 🔒 Safe, secure, and fully confidential online ordering
- 📋 Rigorous prescription verification for every order
- ⭐ Trusted by patients across Nigeria for affordable, authentic medicines