Whether
edema is caused by "overflow" or "underfill," the excess retention of
salt and water is common to virtually all forms. The use of
natriuretic agents has been shown to be effective in most cases of
edema. The present study compares the efficacy of a new long-acting
indoline compound,
indapamide, with that of
hydrochlorothiazide, both given once daily, in the treatment of
edema. This double-blind study was conducted in 17 centers.
Edema was evaluated by weight change and pitting of the lower extremities.
Indapamide was given in doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg and was compared with 100 mg of
hydrochlorothiazide. Active treatment was continued up to 12 weeks. Weight change efficacy evaluation was done on 219 patients, and efficacy analysis for pitting
edema was done on 214 patients. Of the 219 subjects, 90 were men and 129 were women. Mean age was 57.4 years, and mean
body weight was 88.5 kg. By the end of 2 weeks of active treatment, the percentages of patients with no
edema were 26%, 44%, and 31% for the
indapamide groups (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg), respectively, and 40% for the
hydrochlorothiazide group (100 mg). Early response to treatment as measured by
weight loss was demonstrated by all patients in the study regardless of treatment group.
Hypokalemia was the most frequently reported adverse reaction. Other adverse reactions were infrequent, with no significant difference among the treatment groups. This study concluded that
indapamide in once-daily oral doses of 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg was as safe and effective as a once-daily 100 mg dose of
hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of 219 patients with
edema from various causes.