This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Hygroton Consumer Information
HYGROTON
Generic Name: chlorthalidone (klor THAH li doan)
Brand Names: Hygroton, Thalitone
What is the most important information I should know about chlorthalidone?
- To reduce nighttime urination, take chlorthalidone early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorthalidone may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What is chlorthalidone?
- Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in your body by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
- Chlorthalidone is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).
- Chlorthalidone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take chlorthalidone?
- Do not take chlorthalidone without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone.
- Before taking chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you have
- diabetes,
- gout,
- a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus,
- pancreatitis,
- kidney disease,
- liver disease, or
- high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood.
- You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Chlorthalidone is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take chlorthalidone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Chlorthalidone passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take chlorthalidone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take chlorthalidone?
- Take chlorthalidone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- To reduce nighttime urination, take chlorthalidone early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking chlorthalidone suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a chlorthalidone overdose include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, lethargy, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking chlorthalidone?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorthalidone may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the side effects of chlorthalidone.
- Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of chlorthalidone.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Chlorthalidone may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while taking chlorthalidone.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.