Why take chlorthalidone

Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of chlorthalidone in the pediatric population.

Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of chlorthalidone in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney disease, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving chlorthalidone. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding.

Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible.

Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium or potassium.

Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet. Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem.

In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. Chlorthalidone, a 'water pill,' is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease.

It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Chlorthalidone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day or every other day after a meal, preferably breakfast. It is best to take this medicine in the morning to avoid going to the bathroom during the night.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take chlorthalidone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Chlorthalidone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take chlorthalidone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking chlorthalidone without talking to your doctor. Chlorthalidone may also be used to treat patients with diabetes insipidus and certain electrolyte disturbances and to prevent kidney stones in patients with high levels of calcium in their blood.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition. Follow your doctor's directions. They may include following a daily exercise program or a low-salt or low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods e.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Before taking this medication, make sure your doctor knows that you have allergies or asthma. For people with low potassium: This drug can cause low potassium levels. If you already have low potassium levels, your potassium could become too low. For people with diabetes: Drugs used to treat diabetes may not work as well when taken with chlorthalidone.

This could cause higher blood sugar levels. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your diabetes medication. For pregnant women: Chlorthalidone is a pregnancy category B drug. That means two things:. Chlorthalidone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

For women who are breastfeeding: Chlorthalidone may pass into breast milk and cause serious effects in a child who is breastfed. For seniors: Older adults may process drugs more slowly.

A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. This dosage information is for chlorthalidone oral tablet. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

For high blood pressure, chlorthalidone oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: If you take too much chlorthalidone, you may have these symptoms:.

But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once.

This could cause serious side effects. A prescription for this medication is refillable. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. You may need to check your blood pressure at home. You should keep a log with the date, time of day, and your blood pressure readings.

Bring this log with you to your doctor appointments. You may need to buy a blood pressure monitor. These are available at most pharmacies and online. Shop online for a blood pressure monitor. While being treated with chlorthalidone, your doctor will check your blood pressure and weight.

Your doctor may also do blood tests to check your potassium level. Your doctor may have you follow a specific diet, such as a low-salt or high-potassium diet.

Foods high in potassium include prunes, bananas, and orange juice. Chlorthalidone may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug.

This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.