Chlorthalidone (Oral)
Key points
- Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema).
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, or to other diuretic medicines.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate.
Chlorthalidone (By Mouth)
Chlorthalidone (klor-THAL-i-doan)
Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).
Brand Name(s):
Thalitone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
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.
How to Use This Medicine:
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 (Vascorreg;), cholestyramine (Questranreg;), colestipol (Colestidreg;), digoxin (Lanoxinreg;), lithium, steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone), or low-salt milk.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gout, pancreatitis, or lupus.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.