Chlorthalidone
Information about Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone uses
Chlorthalidone is used for Hypertension (high blood pressure) and Edema. It treats oedema (fluid overload) associated with heart, liver, kidney or lung disease.
How chlorthalidone works
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic which lowers blood pressure by removing extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Common side effects of chlorthalidone
Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Vertigo, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Erectile dysfunction, Electrolyte imbalance, Increased glucose level in blood, Increased uric acid level in blood, Weakness, Hypersensitivity, Renal impairment, Cholestasis, Jaundice, Photosensitivity
Available Medicine for Chlorthalidone
Expert advice for Chlorthalidone
- Take it in the morning with breakfast to avoid getting up at night to urinate.
- It makes you feel dizzy. Avoid driving and attention requiring activity until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol intake while taking Chlorthalidone as it may increase the dizziness.
- It may cause a sudden drop of sodium level in blood. Avoid low sodium diet while you are taking this medication.
- Monitor your blood pressure after starting Chlorthalidone, and notify your doctor if it does not lower down.
- Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weakness that does not go away.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone
Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Chlorthalidone?
No, do not take alcohol while on treatment with Chlorthalidone. Taking alcohol with Chlorthalidone may lower your blood pressure suddenly making you feel dizzy and lightheaded.
Q. What happens if I take more than the recommended dose of Chlorthalidone?
If you take more than the prescribed dose of Chlorthalidone, you may experience nausea, lightheadedness, weakness, fast or irregular heart beat, sleepiness, muscle cramps and pain, difficulty in breathing. Taking this medicine in high doses may even cause a heart attack. In a situation like this, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency help in a nearby hospital.
Q. Can I take ibuprofen with Chlorthalidone?
This combination is best avoided since the two medicines may interfere with each other. However, if your doctor advises you to take both ibuprofen and Chlorthalidone, you will need to keep a regular check on your blood pressure and also monitor your kidney function tests.