Thalitone
Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone (klor THAL i done) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure and fluid retention from various conditions. Chlorthalidone belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics (water pills).
Chlorthalidone (klor THAL i done) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure and fluid retention from various conditions. Chlorthalidone belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics (water pills).
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 25mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH
Updated on July 24, 2023
Chlorthalidone (klor THAL i done) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure and fluid retention from various conditions. Chlorthalidone belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics (water pills).
Side effects
Side effects of chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of chlorthalidone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about chlorthalidone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for chlorthalidone listed in the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of chlorthalidone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about chlorthalidone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for chlorthalidone listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Chlorthalidone oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for chlorthalidone” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of chlorthalidone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about chlorthalidone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for chlorthalidone listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but uncommon. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, chlorthalidone’s serious side effects include:
- changes in red and white blood cell counts
- high blood sugar levels
- high calcium levels
- high uric acid levels, which can increase the risk of gout attacks
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- kidney problems
- low magnesium levels
- low potassium levels
- low sodium levels
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to sunburn
- sudden low blood pressure when you stand up, which can lead to fainting
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for chlorthalidone” section.
FAQs
Common questions about chlorthalidone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about chlorthalidone.
What brand names are available for chlorthalidone?
There are no brand-name products available for chlorthalidone. It’s only available as a generic medication.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.
To learn more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is chlorthalidone similar to hydrochlorothiazide?
Yes, chlorthalidone is similar to hydrochlorothiazide. They’re both diuretics (water pills), and they work very similar to each other. But they’re not exactly the same.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about how these two drugs compare.
How does chlorthalidone work? And how long does it take to start working?
Chlorthalidone works by causing the kidneys to get rid of fluid and salt. This lowers the amount of fluid your body holds on to, relieving fluid retention and reducing blood pressure.
Chlorthalidone will start working within 3 hours of taking it. You’ll know it’s working because it’ll cause you to urinate more. It can take a couple of weeks to see how much it’ll improve blood pressure and fluid retention.
If you’d like to know more about how chlorthalidone works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for chlorthalidone
Below, you’ll find information about chlorthalidone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of chlorthalidone
Certain factors may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take chlorthalidone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for chlorthalidone” section below.
Warnings for chlorthalidone
Some people should not take chlorthalidone, and others should take it cautiously.
Chlorthalidone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether chlorthalidone is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for chlorthalidone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Chlorthalidone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe chlorthalidone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of chlorthalidone
If you take chlorthalidone by mouth, you should not take more chlorthalidone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much chlorthalidone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and chlorthalidone
Information about chlorthalidone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Chlorthalidone and pregnancy
It’s unknown whether chlorthalidone 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 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.
Uses
Uses of chlorthalidone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as chlorthalidone for certain conditions. Approved uses for chlorthalidone are described below.
Use for high blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe chlorthalidone oral tablet for treating high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high blood pressure, there usually aren’t any symptoms. So, you can have high blood pressure and not know it. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure increases the risk of serious problems, such as heart attack or stroke. These problems can lead to death. Treating high blood pressure with medications, such as chlorthalidone, can help prevent these problems.
Chlorthalidone can be prescribed together with other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Doctors may not prescribe chlorthalidone oral tablet in certain situations, such as when someone’s kidneys aren’t making urine.
Use for fluid retention
Doctors may prescribe chlorthalidone oral tablet for treating fluid retention. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term or short-term treatment.
With fluid retention, your body holds on to extra fluid. This causes swelling that can occur in any body part. But it most commonly affects the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Causes of fluid retention that chlorthalidone can help treat include:
- congestive heart failure
- kidney problems
- liver disease
- treatment with corticosteroids or estrogen
Chlorthalidone is prescribed together with other medications to treat these conditions.
Doctors may not prescribe chlorthalidone oral tablet in certain situations, such as when someone’s kidneys aren’t making urine.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about chlorthalidone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Am I at a higher risk of side effects from chlorthalidone than other people?
- Do my medications interact with chlorthalidone?
- How does chlorthalidone compare with other drugs that could treat my condition?
- How long will I need to take chlorthalidone?
Resources
Resources
- Chlorthalidone tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0baac2aa-06c4-489e-a3f9-fe9d20cf61a2/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
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.
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