Hygroton

Hygroton, Thalitone (both discontinued in U.S.A.)

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Yes

Chlorthalidone generally is well tolerated.

Side effects include:

• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain, and
• constipation.

More serious side effects include:

• Low blood levels of potassium, sodium, and magnesium due to increased excretion via urine.
• High blood calcium levels also can occur, especially in persons who are taking calcium supplements.
• Thiazide diuretics such as chlorthalidone increase the levels of uric acid in the blood, but gout (which is caused by high levels of uric acid) rarely occurs.
• Chlorthalidone can cause high blood sugars in patients with diabetes.

Thiazide diuretics including chlorthalidone cross the placenta and can cause jaundice in the fetus or newborn. Therefore, chlorthalidone should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

Large doses of thiazide diuretics may suppress milk production, but the American Academy of Pediatrics considers thiazides to be compatible with breastfeeding.

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) and Other Drug Interactions

Chlorthalidone may interact with other medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:

• Loop diuretics, including furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Drugs containing lithium
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and nabumetone (Relafen)
• Diabetes medications

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) and Other Interactions

Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods while taking chlorthalidone.

Because the drug may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, you should avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking chlorthalidone. It's also important to be careful when driving or performing other activities that require alertness, as chlorthalidone may cause you to become drowsy. Alcohol may worsen this effect.

To treat high blood pressure, the typical daily dose of chlorthalidone ranges from 25 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg.

To treat edema, the recommended daily dose of chlorthalidone is typically 50 mg to 100 mg, or 100 mg every other day.

For patients with heart failure, the typical dose of chlorthalidone is 12.5 mg to 100 mg, daily.

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact an emergency room or a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.

Missed Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double up" to make up for a missed dose.

Chlorthalidone is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by congestive heart failure, kidney disease, hepatic cirrhosis, and corticosteroids and estrogen therapy.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of chlorthalidone, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

• Take chlorthalidone exactly as prescribed.
• This medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily.
• Chlorthalidone can be taken with or without food.
• Because chlorthalidone increases urination, it is best taken in the morning to avoid having to get up in the night to urinate.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.