This article describes possible side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about chlorthalidone, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Chlorthalidone oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version.
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More common side effects of chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet include:
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
- increased thirst
- nausea or vomiting
Mild side effects of chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
Chlorthalidone oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of chlorthalidone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with chlorthalidone oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Serious side effects of chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from chlorthalidone oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with chlorthalidone.
Serious side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of chlorthalidone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with chlorthalidone oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
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Common questions about side effects of chlorthalidone
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does chlorthalidone cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with chlorthalidone oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with chlorthalidone.
Do side effects of chlorthalidone go away?
Yes, mild side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet are likely to go away. With many drugs, mild side effects are usually temporary. They tend to go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. This happens as your body gets used to the effects of the drug. But everyone is different and some people respond differently.
If you have side effects that become bothersome or don’t go away, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Side effects of chlorthalidone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet.
Low potassium levels
Low potassium levels can occur in people taking chlorthalidone oral tablet. This side effect can be mild, but may be serious in some cases.
If low potassium levels are mild, you may not have symptoms. But low potassium levels can become serious and lead to life threatening heart problems. Symptoms of low potassium levels may include:
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- excessive thirst
- fast heart rate
- muscle pain or cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- restlessness
Certain factors can increase the risk of low potassium levels with chlorthalidone oral tablet. These include:
Ways to manage
While you’re taking chlorthalidone oral tablet, your doctor will likely recommend eating high potassium foods or taking a supplement. Follow their instructions to help prevent low potassium levels.
If you experience symptoms of low potassium levels, get medical care right away.
Kidney problems
Chlorthalidone oral tablet can make kidney disease worse. This side effect may be serious.
If you have kidney disease, taking chlorthalidone can cause a condition called azotemia. In azotemia, nitrogen and other waste products buildup in your blood. You may or may not notice symptoms with this condition. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- chest pain
- decreased urination
- swelling in the legs or feet
- tiredness
Ways to manage
If you have kidney disease, your doctor will likely order certain lab tests while you take chlorthalidone. They may recommend stopping the drug if the lab tests look like your kidneys are getting worse.
If you experience symptoms of azotemia, get medical care right away.
High uric acid levels
High uric acid levels can occur in people taking chlorthalidone oral tablet. This side effect can be mild, but may be serious in some cases.
High uric acid levels don’t always cause problems. Doctors usually don’t treat high uric acid levels if you aren’t having any symptoms. But high uric acid levels from chlorthalidone oral tablet can lead to a gout attack.
Gout is a type of arthritis that’s caused by uric acid crystals in the joint. The big toe is a common site for gout attacks. Gout can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joint. Having gout in the past increases the risk of having gout with chlorthalidone oral tablet.
Ways to manage
Tell your doctor if you’ve had gout before taking chlorthalidone oral tablet. If you experience symptoms of gout, tell your doctor. They may recommend stopping chlorthalidone.
For some people, chlorthalidone oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to chlorthalidone oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for chlorthalidone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking chlorthalidone oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take chlorthalidone oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether chlorthalidone oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking chlorthalidone oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Chlorthalidone and pregnancy
It’s not known whether chlorthalidone oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Chlorthalidone and breastfeeding
Chlorthalidone oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with chlorthalidone.
Chlorthalidone oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking chlorthalidone oral tablet can make orthostatic hypotension and dizziness worse. Orthostatic hypotension is sudden low blood pressure when you stand up. It can lead to fainting and injuries. Dizziness can also contribute to fainting and injuries.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with chlorthalidone oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of chlorthalidone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- Does my risk of side effects depend on the dosage of chlorthalidone oral tablet I take?
- If I have certain health conditions, will I need more monitoring during treatment?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
