Chlorthalidone
Glomerulonephritis, Renal Insufficiency ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Thiazide-like Diuretic
Chlorthalidone
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Chlorthalidone is used to treat high blood pressure and swelling caused by conditions like heart failure, liver disease, hormonal therapies, and kidney problems.
Chlorthalidone is a water pill or diuretic. It works by blocking your body's ability to reabsorb sodium and chloride, causing more water and salt to be released in your urine. This helps to lower your blood pressure and reduce swelling.
Chlorthalidone is taken orally, usually once a day with food in the morning. The exact dosage depends on your condition and should be discussed with your doctor.
Chlorthalidone can cause side effects like high blood sugar, muscle cramps, weakness, agitation, and erectile dysfunction. Serious side effects include low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and rare but serious reactions like jaundice and blood disorders.
Chlorthalidone can cause serious problems if not used carefully. It can lead to kidney failure if you have severe kidney disease and liver failure if you have liver problems. It can also lower your potassium levels, causing symptoms like thirst, tiredness, and muscle cramps.
Indications and Purpose
What is Chlorthalidone used for?
Chlorthalidone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and swelling caused by various conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, hormonal therapies, and kidney problems. However, it should only be used during pregnancy if the swelling is caused by a medical condition.
How does Chlorthalidone work?
Chlorthalidone is a type of water pill that works by helping your body get rid of extra salt and water through urine. It's used to treat high blood pressure. Chlorthalidone works in the loop of Henle, a part of your kidneys. It blocks the reabsorption of salt and water, causing more of these substances to be excreted in your urine. This increases the amount of urine you produce, which lowers your blood pressure. The effects of Chlorthalidone can last for 48 to 72 hours. About 75% of the drug binds to proteins in your blood. The average half-life of Chlorthalidone is 40 hours, which means it takes about 40 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body.
Is Chlorthalidone effective?
Chlorthalidone is a powerful water pill that helps reduce blood pressure and fluid buildup in the body. It's often used on its own or with other medications to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, steroid or estrogen therapy side effects, and kidney problems. Chlorthalidone works by making your body release more urine, which helps remove excess fluid and salt from your body. It starts working within a few hours and can last for up to 3 days.
How does one know if Chlorthalidone is working?
The drug's success is checked by: * Monitoring your blood's electrolyte levels to look for imbalances like low sodium, high bicarbonate, and low potassium. * Observing you for signs of fluid or electrolyte problems. * Regularly checking your blood's electrolyte levels.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Chlorthalidone?
For adults, the usual starting dose for hypertension is 25 mg once daily, which can be increased to 50 mg if needed. For edema, the initial dose is 50 to 100 mg daily or 100 mg on alternate days. Dosages above 100 mg daily usually do not increase effectiveness. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established, so consult a doctor for pediatric use.
How do I take Chlorthalidone?
Take one dose with food in the morning. You don't need to take it twice a day. You don't have to limit any foods when taking this medication.
For how long do I take Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic medicine that helps remove excess fluid from the body. It starts working within 2 hours and its effect can last up to 3 days. The average time it takes for half of the medicine to be removed from the body is 40 hours. How long you need to take Chlorthalidone depends on your condition and should be discussed with your doctor.
How long does it take for Chlorthalidone to start working?
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic medication that helps the body get rid of excess water and sodium. It starts working about 2.6 hours after you take it and keeps working for up to 72 hours. This means it can help reduce swelling and fluid buildup in your body for several days.
How should I store Chlorthalidone?
* Store at room temperature (around 77°F). * It can be stored between 59°F and 86°F for short periods. * Keep it away from sunlight. * Use a container that seals tightly and keeps light out. * Use a container that children can't easily open.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone is a blood pressure medicine that can cause serious problems if not used carefully. It can lead to kidney failure if you have severe kidney disease. If you have liver problems, it can also cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can lead to liver failure. Chlorthalidone can lower your potassium levels, especially if you are taking other medications like steroids or have liver disease. Low potassium can cause symptoms like thirst, tiredness, or muscle cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Chlorthalidone can also make other blood pressure medicines work better.
Can I take Chlorthalidone with other prescription drugs?
Chlorthalidone can increase the effectiveness of other blood pressure medications, especially those that block nerves or the effects of adrenaline. It can also affect the levels of electrolytes in the blood, which may interact with digitalis, a heart medication. Additionally, it can make the body more sensitive to muscle relaxants and less sensitive to a medication used to raise blood pressure. It may also change insulin needs in people with diabetes or cause hidden diabetes to become noticeable.
Can I take Chlorthalidone with vitamins or supplements?
Chlorthalidone can lower potassium levels in the blood. This effect can be worse if you're also taking corticosteroids or ACTH. Low potassium can cause problems, so your doctor will need to check your potassium levels regularly, especially if you're taking other medications or supplements that affect potassium. Chlorthalidone can also make diabetes worse, meaning you may need to take more insulin to control your blood sugar.
Can Chlorthalidone be taken safely while pregnant?
During pregnancy, Chlorthalidone should only be used to treat severe swelling caused by medical conditions. It's not recommended for general use in healthy pregnant women as it may pose unnecessary risks to both the mother and baby.Possible risks to the baby include jaundice, low platelet count, and other side effects seen in adults.The benefits of using Chlorthalidone during pregnancy must outweigh these potential risks.
Can Chlorthalidone be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Some medicines can pass into breast milk and harm a baby. If you take chlorthalidone, you should choose between breastfeeding and taking the medicine. You should ask your doctor to help you make this decision.
Is Chlorthalidone safe for the elderly?
For older adults, chlorthalidone should be used cautiously if they have kidney or liver problems. It can make these conditions worse. It can also build up in the body if the kidneys are not working well. It's important to watch for electrolyte imbalances, like low potassium. This can be made worse if taking digitalis. Signs of electrolyte imbalance include: * Dry mouth * Thirst * Weakness * Feeling tired or sluggish * Feeling restless * Muscle aches or cramps * Muscle weakness * Low blood pressure * Urinating less than usual * Fast heart rate * Nausea * Vomiting
Is it safe to exercise while taking Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone can cause dizziness and weakness, which might affect your ability to exercise. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor. They can provide guidance on safe exercise practices while taking this medication.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Chlorthalidone?
Drinking alcohol while taking Chlorthalidone can increase the chance of dizziness occurring. It's advisable to be cautious with alcohol consumption and consult your doctor for personalized advice.
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