chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is a diuretic (water pill) that's taken by mouth, typically once daily, to treat high blood pressure. It can be taken alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. It's also used along with other medications to relieve swelling in people who have certain conditions, like heart failure. Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is available as a brand name and generic tablet. Some common side effects of this medication include needing to urinate more, dizziness, and headache.
What is Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)?
What is Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) used for?
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Swelling from fluids (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney problems, liver problems, or corticosteroid and estrogen therapy
How Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) works
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is a thiazide-like diuretic (water pill) that makes you urinate more. It works in the kidneys to remove extra water and certain electrolytes, while lowering blood pressure and getting rid of swelling.
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What are the side effects of Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)?
Common Side Effects
- Urinating more
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sensitivity to the sun
Other Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Gouty attacks (for people with gout)
- Temporary muscle pain or weakness
- Rash
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue/mouth/throat, rash or hives
- Kidney problems: not urinating as often as you usually do, feeling tired, confusion
- Severe liver issues: yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stool, dark urine, confusion
- Electrolyte levels out of balance: muscle weakness, muscle twitching, tiredness, confusion, seizures
Source: DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach pain
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chills
clay-colored stools
cold sweats
confusion
cough or hoarseness
coughing up blood
darkened urine
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast heartbeat
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
indigestion
itching or skin rash
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
pain in the joints or muscles
painful or difficult urination
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on the skin
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
redness, soreness or itching skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sores, welting, or blisters
sugar in the urine
sweating
swelling of the feet or lower legs
swollen glands
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight loss
vomiting
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Cramping
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
inability to have or keep an erection
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
redness or other discoloration of the skin
restlessness
sensation of spinning
severe sunburn
weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
Pros
Works well to get rid of extra fluids in your body
A good blood pressure treatment for people who haven't responded well to other thiazide diuretics
Works especially well for Black people
Good option if you have both high blood pressure and heart failure
Can be good for people with osteoporosis since it raises the body's level of calcium
Cons
Makes you urinate more often
Doesn't work well in people with severe kidney problems
Works longer in the body than other thiazide diuretics, so might have a higher chance of causing electrolyte-related side effects
Can lead to more gouty attacks in people with gout
Not a good option if you have a sulfa allergy
Pharmacist tips for Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
Take chlorthalidone (Thalitone) in the morning with a meal. It starts working in about two hours, so don't take it at night unless instructed to do so by your provider; otherwise you'll go to the bathroom more overnight.
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can cause dizziness in the first few days after starting this medication or raising the dose. Make sure to hold onto something sturdy when standing up from a seated or lying down position so that you don't fall.
If you're checking your blood pressure at home, record your measurements. Bring them to your appointments so your provider can see how well chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is working for you.
Tell your provider about any dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weakness that doesn't go away.
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) might require routine blood tests to check your kidney function. Make sure to keep all of your lab appointments so your provider can make sure this medication remains safe for you.
Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun while taking chlorthalidone (Thalitone), so don't forget to use sunscreen whenever you go outside even if it's cloudy or wintertime.
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Frequently asked questions about Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
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What are the risks and warnings for Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)?
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Electrolyte levels out of balance
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) works on the kidneys to help your body get rid of more fluid. This also causes a loss of certain electrolytes. Your risk is higher if you have kidney problems or if you're taking other medications that can affect electrolyte levels. Your provider will perform routine blood tests to monitor your electrolyte levels to make sure this medication remains safe for you to take. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of electrolyte problems, such as dizziness, feeling confused, muscle cramps, weakness, or a tingling sensation in your arms and legs.
Higher risk for gout attacks
Risk factors: History of gout
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can cause your body to hang onto uric acid, which can raise your risk of gouty attacks. Let your provider know if you have a history of gout.
Higher blood sugars
Risk factors: Diabetes
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can raise your blood glucose levels. If you notice your blood sugars are higher while you're taking this medication, let your provider know. They might change the dose of chlorthalidone (Thalitone) or select a different medication. Get medical help right away if you feel symptoms of high blood sugar levels, such as nausea, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, or headache.
Waste build up due to kidney problems
Risk factors: History of kidney problems
Taking chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can cause certain waste products to build up in people with kidney problems. Contact your provider right away if you have symptoms such as trouble making urine, swelling in your legs, weakness, and confusion.
Caution in people with liver problems
Risk factors: Liver problems
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) should be used with caution in people with liver problems. Because this medication causes changes to your fluid and electrolyte levels, it can lead to a higher risk of hepatic coma. Let your provider know if you have a history of liver problems so they can monitor you more closely.
Dizziness
Risk factors: Taking with alcohol | Taking other medications that make you less alert
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) can cause some people to feel lightheaded or dizzy since your blood pressure is being lowered. The risk is higher if you're taking certain other medications or drinking alcohol. Talk to your provider if you notice any of these symptoms.
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider will adjust your dose. The maximum dose is 100 mg once daily.
Swelling: The typical starting dose is 50 mg to 100 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider will adjust your dose. The maximum dose is 200 mg once daily.
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Interactions between Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) and other drugs
More on Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acetyldigoxin
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Aspirin
- Bepridil
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Deslanoside
- Desmopressin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitalis
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dipyrone
- Dofetilide
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Flecainide
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketanserin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levomethadyl
- Lithium
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Metildigoxin
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sotalol
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Gossypol
- Licorice
- Warfarin
How much does Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) cost?
Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) contraindications
Not making urine
Allergy to sulfa-containing medications
What are alternatives to Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)?
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Swelling from fluids (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney problems, liver problems, or corticosteroid and estrogen therapy
Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)
Edema (swelling from fluid) related to kidney problems
Edema related to heart failure
What is the latest news about Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)?
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References
Best studies we foundAkbari, P., et al. (2023). Thiazide diuretics. StatPearls.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). CHLORTHALIDONE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Grimm, R. H., Jr., et al. (1997). Long-term effects on sexual function of five antihypertensive drugs and nutritional hygienic treatment in hypertensive men and women - Treatment of Mild Hypertension Study (TOMHS). Hypertension.
Hripcsak, G., et al. (2020). Comparison of cardiovascular and safety outcomes of chlorthalidone vs hydrochlorothiazide to treat hypertension. JAMA Internal Medicine.
Kerndt, C. C., et al. (2022). Chlorthalidone. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2021). Electrolytes.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Loss of brain function - liver disease.
Russell, J.G. (1981). Chlorthalidone in mild hypertension - dose response relationship. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Wright, J. T., Jr., et al. (2005). Outcomes in hypertensive black and nonblack patients treated with chlorthalidone, amlodipine, and lisinopril. Journal of the American Medical Association.
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