ChlorthalidoneWhat do chlorthalidone tablets do? CHLORTHALIDONE (Hygroton(R)) is a diuretic (water or fluid pill). Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Chlorthalidone helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. It also reduces the swelling (edema) and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic chlorthalidone tablets are available. What should my health care professional know before I take chlorthalidone? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: • diabetes • gout • high blood levels of calcium • kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine • liver disease • low blood levels of potassium, chloride, or sodium • pancreatitis • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) • an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfonamides, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives • pregnant or trying to get pregnant • breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? Take chlorthalidone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If chlorthalidone upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking chlorthalidone. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Chlorthalidone tablets are often taken every other day. If you miss one day, take it the next and then return to the correct dosing interval. Do not take double or extra doses. What other medicines can interact with chlorthalidone? • amphotericin B • antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) • cholestyramine • colestipol • diazoxide • digoxin • dofetilide • hormones such as prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticotropin • lithium • medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth • medicines for high blood pressure • water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking chlorthalidone? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: • black, tarry stools • blood in the urine • dark yellow or brown urine • dry mouth • fever, chills, sore throat • increased thirst • irregular heartbeat (palpitations) • lower back pain • mood changes • muscle pain, cramps • nausea, vomiting • pain or difficulty passing urine • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth • skin rash or itching • stomach pain • tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet • unusual tiredness or weakness • unusual bleeding or bruising • yellowing of the eyes or skin • yellow vision (everything looks yellow) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): • diarrhea or constipation • dizziness or lightheadedness • headache • increased sensitivity to the sun • loss of appetite • sexual difficulties (impotence) What do I need to watch for while I take chlorthalidone? Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking chlorthalidone except on your prescriber's advice. Watch your diet while you are taking chlorthalidone. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Chlorthalidone can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice. You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how chlorthalidone affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning booths or beds. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking chlorthalidone. Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degreesC (59 and 86 degreesF). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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