What is Chlorthalidone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Chlorthalidone overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Chlorthalidone

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Chlorthalidone used for?

Chlorthalidone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and sometimes heart failure. Chlorthalidone belongs to a class of medications called diuretics, commonly known as “water pills”. Chlorthalidone is a generic medication also sold under the brand name Thalitone. Chlorthalidone was approved for use in the US in 1960. In the treatment of high blood pressure, chlorthalidone use is fairly common.

What form(s) does Chlorthalidone come in

  • Tablet

What are common Chlorthalidone doses?

  • Tablet 25MG

  • Tablet 50MG

Common Chlorthalidone prescriptions

  • Chlorthalidone
    25mg tablet

  • Chlorthalidone
    50mg tablet

How to take Chlorthalidone

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Chlorthalidone

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Chlorthalidone contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, or to similar medicines.

Chlorthalidone warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout, lupus, pancreas problems, or trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Skin rash or itching

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Yellow eyes or skin

Chlorthalidone interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how chlorthalidone works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: Bepridil, cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, lithium, or tubocurarineLow-salt milkOther blood pressure medicinesSteroid medicine

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Chlorthalidone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever chills, cough, hoarseness

  • Yellow eyes or skin

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blood in the urine or stools, lower back or side pain, trouble urinating

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Problems having sex

  • Mild diarrhea or stomach upset

  • Loss of appetite

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