General English name: Chlorthalidone
Brand: Hygroton, Kalspare, Tenoret 50, Tenoretic
Application: Hypertension – Fluid retention – Heart failure – Diabetes mellitus
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Chlorthalidone Medication Information
Drug Information: Chlorthalidone belongs to a group of drugs called thiazide diuretics. A diuretic increases urea excretion by the kidneys. These drugs are sometimes called water pills. Diuretics are effective treatments for high blood pressure. They are also useful for expelling excess water in some liver and kidney diseases where too much fluid has accumulated in the body. Chlorthalidone is also used to treat heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to function properly.
Diuretics such as chlorthalidone work by blocking the passage of salt and water through the kidney cell membrane. The effect of this mechanism is that the kidney cells excrete more urea. Excretion of excess body fluids lowers blood pressure and reduces pressure on the heart. The effect of chlorthalidone on the kidneys is mild, so the volume of urine excreted is not significant.
Chlorthalidone may be used with other medicines to get rid of excess fluid. If a drug is prescribed for this purpose, a combination of drugs (drugs called Kalspare (chlorthalidone with triamterene), Tenoret 50 (chlorthalidone with atenolol) and Tenoretic (chlorthalidone with atenolol)) is used. Combination pills reduce the number of pills taken during the day.
Chlorthalidone is also useful for patients with diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a disease in which a person frequently feels like urinating and is constantly thirsty. The mechanism of action of chlorthalidone in diabetes insipidus is not fully understood.
Contraindications to Chlorthalidone
- Pay attention to the expiration date of the medicine and do not take it if the medicine in your hand has expired.
- Never give the medicine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Do not take more chlorthalidone than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Check for drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
Drug interaction of Chlorthalidone
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with chlorthalidone include cisapride, dofetilide, and lithium.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough and cold medicines, diet supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that raise blood pressure or make heart failure worse. Talk to your pharmacist about taking chlorthalidone.
Tips to consider before taking Chlorthalidone
Some medications can not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed. Therefore, it is best for your doctor to know the following before taking chlorthalidone:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have gout, diabetes, or lupus erythematosus (SLE). These conditions may be made worse by the use of diuretics.
- If your blood sodium or potassium levels are low or your blood calcium levels are high.
- If your adrenal gland has a problem (Addison’s disease).
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether prescribed to you or your doctor, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever been allergic to any medication.
Possible side effects of Chlorthalidone
All medications, along with their positive effects, can cause unwanted side effects in the body. However, these complications do not occur in all people. Over time, your body will adjust to the new medication and these symptoms will go away, but if the following symptoms persist or become painful, consult your doctor.
Decreased appetite, gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and upset stomach: This effect is usually mild, but it is better if the medication is taken after a meal.
Dizziness, especially when getting up (lowering blood pressure): Getting up slowly can help reduce this pain. Avoid driving and working with tools at this time.
Decreased sexual potency, itchy skin rashes: Consult your doctor if any of these things bother you.
Changing the results of blood tests: Your doctor will check this.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you think may be due to chlorthalidone.
How to store Chlorthalidone
- Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.