Chlorthalidone

Chlorthalidone is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is a diuretic, which means it increases the amount of salt and water that is removed from the body. This causes a decrease in blood volume, which helps lower blood pressure. The medication comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once a day. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, and constipation.

Chlorthalidone Drug Information

What Is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone^®) is a prescription medicine that is is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema). It is part of a class of medicines known as diuretics.

Who Makes This Medication?

Chlorthalidone is made by a few different manufacturers of generic drugs. Brand-name Thalitone is made by Monarch Pharmaceuticals.

Chlorthalidone Uses

Some specific uses for this medicine include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treatment of water retention (edema) due to several causes, including congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney failure (renal failure), and certain medications.

(Click What Is Chlorthalidone Used For? to learn more, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does It Work?

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic.

These medications are commonly referred to as "water pills." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood, which are then passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, the medication causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, it can lower blood pressure and help with water retention.

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