$Unique_ID{BRK01885}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CHLORTHALIDONE}
$Subject{chlorthalidone (various manufacturers)
Hygroton (Rorer)
Hylidone (Major)
Thalitone (Boehringer Ingelheim)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CHLORTHALIDONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     chlorthalidone (various manufacturers)
     Hygroton (Rorer)
     Hylidone (Major)
     Thalitone (Boehringer Ingelheim)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     chlorthalidone
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Chlorthalidone is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also
used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as
heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use
of some medications.  This medication reduces fluid accumulation by increasing
the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try
to take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or stomach upset.  As your body
adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  Therefore,
avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective clothing,
and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive
thirst, excessive weakness, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle
pains or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the
fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, or yellowing of the
eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Chlorthalidone interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout
medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine.
     2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
chlorthalidone, which can be dangerous.
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
chlorthalidone, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Chlorthalidone should, therefore,
be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of cholestyramine or
colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these medications).
     5. The side effects of amphotericin B, calcium, cortisone-like steroids
(such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone),
digoxin, digitalis, lithium, quinidine, sulfonamide antibiotics, and vitamin D
may be increased by chlorthalidone.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are
currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any drugs, especially to diuretics or any other sulfa drugs, including oral
antidiabetics and sulfonamide antibiotics.
     * Before you start taking chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you now
have or if you have ever had kidney disease or problems with urination,
diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma, pancreatic disease, or
systemic lupus erythematosus.
     * Chlorthalidone can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss
include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and
vomiting.  If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  To help
avoid potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange or
cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use of a salt substitute also
helps to prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your diet or use a salt
substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.  Too much
potassium can also be dangerous.  Your doctor may want to have blood tests
performed periodically to monitor your potassium levels.
     *  Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication,
in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medications for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy,
asthma, or sinus problems unless your doctor directs you to do so.
     * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar should be carefully monitored by blood or urine tests
when this medication is being taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although studies in
humans have not been conducted, chlorthalidone can cross the placenta and may
cause adverse effects in the developing fetus.  Also, tell your doctor if you
are breast-feeding an infant.  Although problems in humans have not been
reported, small amounts of this drug can pass into breast milk, so caution is
warranted.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
