Chlortalidone

Uses of Chlortalidone

Chlortalidone is commonly used to treat Diabetes Insipidus, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Oedema and Heart Failure.

How Chlortalidone Works

Chlortalidone is a thiazide diuretic that is able to prevent reabsorption of sodium and chloride by inhibiting the sodium/chloride transporter in the kidney which will promote more water with sodium and chloride to pass out from your body. This function is able to aid in lowering blood pressure, decrease cardiac workload and relieve body oedema due to kidney problem. It will also activate a series of paradoxical effects which will help in patients with diabetes insipidus.

Side Effects of Chlortalidone

Hypokalaemia, Hyponatraemia, Allergy reaction, Dizziness, Postural hypotension, Hyperlipidaemia, Hyperuricaemia

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Dose adjustment may be needed in elderly patients with moderate kidney impairment. Its usage is not advisable in patients with severe kidney impairment (Creatine clearance less than 30ml/min). Please consult your doctor before using.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to consume alcohol with Chlortalidone. This will cause further worsen the side effects such as drowsiness, lightheadedness or fainting.

Pregnancy Maybe Safe

It is not advisable to use Chlortalidone during pregnancy as reports have shown foetal bone marrow depression, thrombocytopenia and jaundice associated with the use of thiazide diuretics.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Chlortalidone may cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment and progressive liver disease. Please consult your doctor before using.

Lactation Not Advisable

Chlortalidone will be secreted into the breast milk and shown to be associated with neonatal jaundice. Thus, the usage of Chlortalidone is not advisable during breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).