Chlortalidone

Chlortalidone belongs to the group of medicines known as diuretics.
Diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.
Chlortalidone removes excess water from the body by increasing how often you pass urine.
People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell, but left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels.

About chlortalidone

Type of medicine

Thiazide-related diuretic

Used for

Fluid retention
Hypertension
Heart failure
Diabetes insipidus

Also called

Hygroton®

Available as

Tablets

Chlortalidone works on the kidney. It is used to treat fluid retention caused by liver or kidney conditions, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) and diabetes insipidus (a condition in which an individual produces large amounts of dilute urine). It removes excess water from the body by increasing how much and how often you pass urine. This removal of fluid reduces blood pressure and helps reduce the work of the heart. How it works in diabetes insipidus however is not fully understood.

Chlortalidone is also available combined with other medicines. For more information about these combination medicines see the leaflets called Triamterene and chlortalidone and Atenolol with diuretics.

Before taking chlortalidone

Before taking chlortalidone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).
If you suffer from gout or hyperuricaemia (high blood uric acid).
If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
If you have Addison's disease or another adrenal gland disorder.
If you have been told you have low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood, or high levels of calcium.
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to chlortalidone, a sulfonamide antibiotic, or any other medicine.

How to take chlortalidone

Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
Take chlortalidone exactly as your doctor has told you.
Chlortalidone will make you want to go to the toilet more often, so your doctor will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning with your breakfast.
If you miss a dose of chlortalidone take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the afternoon, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Diuretics like chlortalidone help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
If you have sugar diabetes, chlortalidone may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any changes.
If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can chlortalidone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Mild gastro-intestinal effects (such as feeling sick, stomach pain)	Eat little and often. Take your dose after food
Dizziness, particularly when getting up	Getting up or moving more slowly should help
Impotence in men, itchy skin rash	If either of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store chlortalidone

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Hygroton®, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009
British National Formulary; 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3530

DocRef: dils2901

Last Reviewed: 9 Jun 2011

Version: 22

For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.

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