Dosage, Brand Name, Uses And Side Effects Of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone is a prescription drug that can be useful in reducing high blood pressure and increasing fluid retention. As such, it can help treat heart disease and other conditions impacted by excessive fluid in the body. In this 3-minute article, we discuss the brand names, uses, dosage, side effects, warnings and interactions of chlorthalidone. Learn more about this prescription medication.
What Is Chlorthalidone?
Chlorathidone is a popular prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and increase fluid retention caused by heart disease and other complications.
Side Effects Of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone does include some associated side effects. Some of these side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Most side effects of chlorthalidone are relatively mild and do not last longer than a few days. The common side effects of chlorthalidone include the following:
- Increased urination
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Mild hair loss
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Some side effects of chlorthalidone are serious and may require medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor or immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severely sore throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe skin rash
- Reduced potassium levels
- Extreme thirst
- Extreme drowsiness
- Muscle pain
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Skin peeling or blistering
- Confusion
- Cold sweats
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Chlorthalidone Brand Names
Chlorthalidone is available as a generic drug and as the following brand name medications:
- Thalitone
- Chlorthalid
- Hygroton
Chlorthalidone Versus Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothaizide and chlorthalidone are two commonly used diuretic medications. Hydrochlorothiaizde is prescribed more often, but chlorthalidone has been found to be slightly more effective.
How Does Chlorthalidone Work?
Chlorthalidone works to reduce the amount of water in the body. It achieves this by increasing the flow of urine, which helps to excrete excess water and low blood pressure.
Chlorthalidone inhibits sodium reabsorption at the level of the distal convoluted tobule. By decreasing sodium absoprtion, chlorthalidone helps the body decrease its sodium levels.
Chlorthalidone Uses
The uses of chlorthalidone include the treating of high blood pressure, fluid retention, heart disease, and other conditions. High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries by restricting blood flow. If blood pressure is not lowered, it can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and stroke.
How To Take Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day after a meal, usually breakfast.
Chlorthalidone can increase fluid excretion and therefore cause a greater need to urinate. It is best to take chlorthalidone in the morning so you do not have to get up multiple times in the night to use the restroom.
Chlorthalidone Dosage
The dosage for chlorthalidone can vary depending on many factors, including the following:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Severity of condition
Dosage For Edema
Adult: Initial dosage is 50-100 mg once a day or 100mg every other day. Dosage may increase as needed according to doctor recommendation.
Chlorthalidone Dosage For High Blood Pressure
Adult: Initial dosage is 25 mg once a day. Dosage may be adjust as needed according to doctor recommendation.
Chlorthalidone Dosage For High Blood Pressure (Thalitone)
Adult: Chlorthalidone dosage for the brand thalitone may very somewhat. Thalitone dosage should start at 15 mg per day, but may be increased to 25 mg per day according to doctor recommendation.
Chlorthalidone Interactions
Chlorthalidone tablet can interact with multiple medications, supplements, and vitamins. To avoid interactions, talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before you begin your dosage of chlorthalidone.
Blood Pressure Drug Interaction
Chlorthalidone can help lower blood pressure. When taken with other blood pressure drugs, it can cause blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. Examples of blood pressure drugs you should not take with chlorthalidone include:
- Captopril
- Benazepril
- Fosinopril
- Enalapril
- Atenolol
- Nadalol
- Timolol
- Indapamide
Diabetes Drug Interaction
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of diabetes medications when you begin taking chlorthalidone. Chlorthalidone can inhibit the effectiveness of the following drugs, among others:
- Pramlintide
- Exenatide
- Insulin
-Metformin
- Glipizide
- Sitagliptin
- Liraglutide
- Lixisenatide
What Are The Warnings Of Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone comes with several serious warnings. Talk to your doctor before taking chlorthalidone if you believe you may be at risk for any of these warnings.
Allergy Warning
Chlorthalidone can cause a serious allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of allergic reaction often include:
- Hives
- Excessive itching
- Swelling around the face and throat
- Swelling of the tongue
If you have a serious allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, call 911 immediately.
Warning For Pregnant Women
Chlorthalidone is a category B pregnancy drug. This indicates the following:
- It has not been shown to pose risk to an animal fetus.
- It has not been tested on enough pregnant women to accurately determine if or how it affects human fetuses.
Breast Feeding Warning
Chlorthalidone may pass into breast milk and result in serious affects in children who are breastfeeding. Do not take chlorthalidone in any form if you are currently breastfeeding.
Dosage, Brand Name, Uses And Side Effects Of Chlorthalidone: Summary
Chlorthalidone is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by heart disease complications. It can be purchased as the brand name drugs Thalitone, Chlorthalid, and Hygroton.
