Chlorthalidone (By Mouth)

Chlorthalidone (klor-THAL-i-doan)

Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Thalitone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, or to other diuretic medicines. You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using bepridil (Vascor®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone), or low-salt milk.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gout, pancreatitis, or lupus.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blood in urine or stools
• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fever chills, cough, hoarseness
• Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
• Skin rash or itching
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Problems having sex
• Mild diarrhea or stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.