Original Brand Names: Hygroton

Generic Only

Common Dosage Forms:

Tablets: 25 mg and 50 mg.

FDA Indications/Dosages:

Adjunctive therapy in edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy or various forms of renal dysfunction: 50 mg daily or 100 mg every other day. Some patients may require up to 200 mg per day.

Treatment of hypertension: 25 mg daily at first, may be increased to 50 mg or 100 mg per day.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Chlorthalidone inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption at the cortical diluting segment of the ascending limb of Henle’s loop. It has a half-life of 44 hours and is 75% bound to plasma proteins.

Drug Interactions: May decrease sulfonylurea hypoglycemia. Electrolyte disturbances may cause DIGITALIS-induced arrhythmias. Use with diazoxide may cause hyperglycemia. May cause increased lithium serum levels.

Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients with anuria or who are hypersensitive to sulfonamide-derived drugs. Use with caution in patients with cirrhosis, gout, impaired renal or hepatic function, diabetes, and in patients who are taking corticosteroids or ACTH. Pregnancy Category B.

Adverse Effects: Dry mouth, MUSCLE CRAMPS. nausea, vomiting, anemia, WEAKNESS, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anorexia, GI distress including diarrhea and constipation, hyperglycemia, photosensitivity, rash, and transient blurred vision.

Patient Consultation:

May be taken with food or milk if GI upset occurs.

Timing of dose is important because of increased diuresis. Usually given in early a.m.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.

Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent.