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Bendroflumethiazide

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). It works by helping the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, which decreases blood volume and lowers blood pressure. This medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for hypertension.

Quick summary

Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces fluid retention by increasing urine production.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
C03AA01
RxNorm
1369
Generic
Bendroflumethiazide
Class
atc-c03
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
capsule, tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
2.5mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1.25mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1.25mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses exceeding 500mg may result in significant toxicity
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use leading to severe electrolyte imbalances
Immediate actions
Activated charcoal within 1-2 hours of ingestion, supportive care, IV fluids
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and maternal electrolytes

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use close to delivery due to risk of neonatal thrombocytopenia

Monitor

close fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal electrolytes

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

not recommended
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue or avoid

Key Recommendations

thiazides are excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment

Monitor

monitor infant for electrolyte disturbances

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

children under 12
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose based on weight

Key Recommendations

use with caution; safety and efficacy not well established in children

Monitor

monitor electrolytes and renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

start with lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

increased sensitivity to orthostatic hypotension; monitor closely

Monitor

regular monitoring of blood pressure, electrolytes, and renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

may require dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with caution; efficacy may be reduced in severe renal impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function and electrolytes regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; may affect electrolyte balance

Monitor

monitor electrolytes and liver function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Thiazide diuretic

Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1960s

Historical prescribing information for hypertension treatment

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Hypertension, edema, heart failure

Primary therapeutic indications for thiazide diuretics

mechanismPharmacological databases
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Inhibits sodium reabsorption in distal convoluted tubules

Primary pharmacodynamic properties

Bendroflumethiazide is primarily used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema associated with conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disorders. It may also be used as part of combination therapy for managing fluid overload.

As a thiazide diuretic, bendroflumethiazide acts on the distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys, inhibiting the sodium-chloride cotransporter. This increases sodium and water excretion while promoting potassium retention, reducing overall blood volume and cardiac output to lower blood pressure.

Common side effects include electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, sodium, and magnesium), increased urination, dizziness, and elevated blood sugar. Patients should have their electrolytes monitored regularly. It may increase sun sensitivity and interact with other medications including lithium, digoxin, and other antihypertensives. Adequate hydration is important, but avoid excessive fluid intake.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy