What Is Chlorthalidone Used For?

Chlorthalidone is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and water retention. In both cases, the drug works by helping the body remove excess salt and water from the blood, which decreases blood volume. Chlorthalidone is prescribed for adults only and has not been approved for use in children. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label chlorthalidone uses.

Chlorthalidone Drug Information

What Is Chlorthalidone Used For? -- An Overview

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone^®) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of a couple of conditions. These specific chlorthalidone uses include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treatment of water retention (edema) caused by estrogen, corticosteroids, or various conditions, including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure (renal failure).

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

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