Chlorthalidone (By mouth)
klor-THAL-i-done
Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Chlorthalidone is 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 blood pressure is controlled.
Chlorthalidone is also used to treat fluid retention (edema) that is caused by congestive heart failure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, or treatment with a hormone or steroid medicine.
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps to lower blood pressure.
Chlorthalidone is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using bepridil (Vascor®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone), or low-salt milk.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, or to other diuretic medicines. You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gout, pancreatitis, or lupus.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Blood in urine or stools
Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
Fever chills, cough, hoarseness
Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellow eyes or skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Problems having sex
Mild diarrhea or stomach upset
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
Thalitone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
