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Chlorthalidone |
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What is Chlorthalidone and why is it prescribed? Chlorthalidone is a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disease. When used for high blood pressure, Chlorthalidone may be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Chlorthalidone regularly for it to be effective. Chlorthalidone does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Chlorthalidone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Chlorthalidone. Diuretics such as Chlorthalidone increase urination so Chlorthalidone should be taken in the morning. Chlorthalidone may be taken with food. Take it exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Chlorthalidone at room temperature. Are there any Chlorthalidone side effects? Chlorthalidone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Chlorthalidone side effects may include allergic reaction, anemia, changes in blood sugar, change in potassium levels (causing such symptoms as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), constipation, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, dizziness upon standing up, flaky skin, headache, hives, impotence, inflammation of a lymph or blood vessel, inflammation of the pancreas, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, restlessness, sensitivity to light, stomach irritation, tingling or pins and needles, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Chlorthalidone? If Chlorthalidone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Drinking alcohol may increase the chance of dizziness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Chlorthalidone with Insulin, Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Oral diabetes drugs (such as Micronase), or Other high blood pressure medications (such as Catapres and Aldomet). Are there any special warnings about Chlorthalidone? Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to other diuretics or if you have asthma, kidney or liver disease, gout, or lupus. If you have a history of bronchial asthma, you are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Chlorthalidone. Be careful in hot weather not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive thirst, tiredness, restlessness, drowsiness, muscle pains or cramps, nausea, vomiting, or increased heart rate or pulse. Chlorthalidone may aggravate lupus erythematosus, a disease of the connective tissue. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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