Chlorthalidone tablets

What is this medicine?

CHLORTHALIDONE (klor THAL i done) is a diuretic. It increases the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose salt and water. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and edema or water retention.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take your dose in the morning with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• dark urine

• dry mouth

• excess thirst

• fast, irregular heart rate

• fever, chills

• muscle pain, cramps, or spasm

• nausea, vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation

• headache

• impotence

• loss of appetite

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturate medicines for sleep or seizure control

• digoxin

• lithium

• medicines for diabetes

• norepinephrine

• other medicines for high blood pressure

• some pain medicines

• steroid hormones like prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticotropin

• tubocurarine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• diabetes

• gout

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• parathyroid disease

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• taking cortisone, digoxin, lithium carbonate, or drugs for diabetes

• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.