What Is Chlorothiazide Used For?

Chlorothiazide is used for controlling high blood pressure and treating water retention. Although the medication has not been thoroughly studied in children, the manufacturer of the drug does provide dosing information for chlorothiazide uses in infants and children. Occasionally, chlorothiazide is also used for off-label reasons, such as for the treatment of high calcium levels in the blood.

Chlorothiazide Drug Information

Chlorothiazide Uses: An Overview

Chlorothiazide (Diuril^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a couple of conditions. These specific chlorothiazide uses include:

High blood pressure control (hypertension)
Treatment of water retention (edema) caused by estrogen, corticosteroids, or various conditions, including:

o Congestive heart failure

o Cirrhosis

o Kidney disease or kidney failure (renal failure).

Chlorothiazide for High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.

In clinical studies, chlorothiazide has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, the drug can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Chlorothiazide is not a cure for high blood pressure. Often, people need to take chlorothiazide with one or more additional blood pressure medications, especially if their blood pressure is difficult to control.

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