Home Medication and medical testsOther medications what is chlorthalidone for? Dosage and side effects

what is chlorthalidone for? Dosage and side effects

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic drug, so it is responsible for increasing the volume of urine so that the body can get rid of excess salt and water. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to lower blood pressure, on the other hand diuretic drugs can have an unintended adverse reaction, since it reduces potassium levels, due to this it is recommended the intake of foods rich in potassium and the intake of some supplement, with a medical prescription, to restore the loss of this mineral. At FastlyHealwe show you what chlorthalidone is for .

What is chlorthalidone for

Chlorthalidone is used to lower blood pressure , it can be used alone or in combination with another type of medicine such as beta-blockers or vasodilators. On the other hand, this drug is also recommended to treat diabetes insipidus. This diuretic drug is also used for localized edema and cardiac, hepatic or renal fluid retention .

It is necessary for this drug to be prescribed by a doctor, as the composition may vary from country to country.

Recommended dose of chlorthalidone

The recommended dose of chlorthalidone will depend on the medical condition and the prescription. However, generally the dose will be:

  • For cardiac, hepatic, renal and localized edema : in an initial administration it will be between 100 and 200 mg every 24 or 48 hours. If it is a maintenance administration, it will be between 25 and 50 mg a day or between 50 and 100 mg 3 times a week.
  • For diabetes insipidus : 100 mg per day, at the start of treatment and as maintenance administration 50 mg per day.

To take chlorthalidone it is necessary to take into account the following indications:

  • You should take chlorthalidone along with breakfast.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages .
  • Keep an eye on your blood pressure.
  • Consult your doctor about the diet you should follow while you are under treatment to balance cholesterol levels.
  • Protect yourself from the sun, as this drug increases sensitivity.
  • Do not drive or use machinery, this drug causes drowsiness.

Chlorthalidone Side Effects

In case you present some of these side effects , it is necessary that you go to a hospital immediately:

  • Dry mouth .
  • Allergies
  • However excesiva.
  • Fast heart rate
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Muscle cramps and spasms.
  • Tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects of chlorthalidone that will not require medical attention are:

  • Headache.
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Low libido
  • Loss of appetite

When you should NOT use chlorthalidone

  • If you are allergic to its active ingredient.
  • If your urine output is low.
  • If you have kidney failure.
  • If you have low levels of potassium or sodium.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you have high calcium and uric acid .

It should be noted that this drug can test positive in doping controls , so it is not recommended if you are an athlete.

Interaction with other medications

If you consume any of the medications that we will mention below, you should consult with your doctor, since chlorthalidone can have an interaction:

  • Barbiturate or seizure medications.
  • Lithium.
  • Medications for diabetics.
  • NSAID painkillers.
  • Norepinephrine.
  • Digoxin.
  • Other medicines for high blood pressure.
  • Steroid hormones such as cortizone or prednisone.
  • Tubocurarina.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Chlorthalidone: what it is for , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .

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