An Overview of Chlorthalidone and Pregnancy
Chlorthalidone (
Thalitone®) is a pregnancy Category B medicine, meaning that it is likely safe to use during pregnancy.
Chlorthalidone and Pregnancy Category B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, the full risks to a fetus are not known, and a pregnancy Category B medicine may be given to a pregnant woman only if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child. In general, diuretics (including chlorthalidone) should not be used to treat
high blood pressure during pregnancy (
gestational hypertension). The medication should not be used to treat fluid retention caused by pregnancy (but can be used to treat fluid retention that is due to other medical problems, such as kidney failure).
Final Thoughts on Chlorthalidone and Pregnancy
If you are taking chlorthalidone and pregnancy occurs (or you are thinking of becoming pregnant), let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking the drug while pregnant before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
