Centyl Side Effects

The World Health Organization reports that at least 600 million people suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure worldwide. There are a number of prescription drugs used to lower blood pressure levels, including the diuretic bendroflumethiazide. In countries like Ireland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, bendroflumethiazide is available under the brand name Centyl. Despite its effectiveness, Centyl is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.

Common Side Effects

• The most common side effect of Centyl is frequent urination, which is necessary to rid the body of fluid levels that contribute to hypertension. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and loss of appetite are also common while taking the drug. Additionally, patients frequently report restlessness, muscle spasms and a general feeling of weakness associated with Centyl.

Other Side Effects

• Centyl also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Additional neurological side effects of the drug include dizziness, vertigo, headaches and tingling in your extremities. Some patients report itching, rashes, increased sensitivity to the sun, and fever while taking Centyl. Other possible, minor side effects of the drug include constipation, diarrhea and bloating.

Drug Interactions

• There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Centyl. Digitalis glycoside heart medications often elevate levels of Centyl in your body, causing an increased incidence of side effects. When combined with the psychiatric drug lithium, Centyl has the potential to cause toxic chemical levels to build up in your system. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Cholestyramine decrease the effectiveness of Centyl and should be taken one hour before or four hours after the diuretic. Additionally, the muscle relaxant Diazoxide often causes dangerous increases in blood sugar levels when used with Centyl.

Risks

• In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, Centyl has the potential to cause serious medical complications. Centyl sometimes increases blood sugar levels, triggering the development of Type 2 diabetes in patients at risk for the disease. Occasionally, use of the drug causes serious effects to the respiratory system, such as pneumonia or other lung infections. Infrequently, Centyl usage leads to reductions in red or white blood cells or platelets. These changes in blood composition pose risks for severe weakness, increased infections and bleeding in your brain. Centyl also causes inflammation to the liver or pancreas in some patients.

Considerations

• Centyl has the potential to cause complications during pregnancy, including premature labor, and is typically not given to expectant mothers. Additionally, the drug is not for use in children under the age of 18. If you have a history of lupus, diabetes, gout, or disease of your kidney, liver or cardiovascular system, you should not take Centyl due to its potential side effects. Because of potential sensitivity, it is important to protect yourself from the sun until you know how Centyl affects you.