Chlorothiazide (By mouth)

klor-oh-THYE-a-zide

This medicine is a diuretic that treats fluid retention and high blood pressure. A lower blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Drug classes

Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Chlorothiazide is used to treat fluid retention (edema) that is caused by congestive heart failure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, or from treatment with a steroid or hormone medicine.

Chlorothiazide is also used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if the blood pressure is controlled.

Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps to lower blood pressure and remove excess fluid (edema).

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid, Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines and foods can affect how chlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are also taking any of the following:

Cholesterol medicine, such as cholestyramine or colestipol Insulin or an oral diabetes medicine Lithium NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone

Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chlorothiazide or a sulfonamide (sulfa drug), or if you are not able to urinate.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease, diabetes, gout, lupus, high cholesterol, a mineral imbalance (such as low calcium), asthma, or allergies.

This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Stand or sit up slowly if you are dizzy. This is more likely to happen when you begin to use the medicine or if you become dehydrated.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep your blood pressure in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back, change in how much or how often you urinate

Dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Fever, chills, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and body aches

Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Muscle cramps or twitching, weakness, drowsiness

Severe stomach pain

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Diuril

There may be other brand names for this medicine.