Chlorthalidone (Chlorthalidone)
Overview of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone is an antihypertensive agent. Chlorthalidone is a sulfonamide derivative. It has different chemical structure from thiazide but the same pharmacological actions as that of thiazide diuretic. It increases the urination and reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. Chlorthalidone is administered orally.
Indication of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone is primarily indicated in conditions like Edema, Essential hypertension, Heart failure, Hypertension, Idiopathic hypercalciuria, Menieres disease, Mild to moderate chronic heart failure, Nephrogenic and partial pituitary diabetes insipidus, Nephrolithiasis, Oedema.
Contraindication of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone is contraindicated in conditions like Allergy,Diabetes mellitus,Anuria.
Side Effects of Chlorthalidone
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Chlorthalidone, which give rise to further complications include Hypersensitivity reactions.,Chlorthalidone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypokalemia, Idiosyncratic hypersensitivity, Hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma, Hypokalemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Chlorthalidone therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Chlorthalidone include Coma, Jaundice, Hypokalemia, Hypochloremic alkalosis, Hypersensitivity reactions, Lethargy, Jaundice.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Chlorthalidone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Dry mouth, Impotence, Muscle cramps, Myopathy, Rhabdomyolysis, Hypokalemia, Azotemia, Dry mouth, dizziness.
Precautions of Chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone should be used with caution in patients with gout, diabetes or any allergy especially to sulfa medicines. Thiazide diuretics increase sensitivity to sunlight, avoid prolonged sun exposure, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. This medication should be used during pregnancy or lactation only if clearly needed. Avoid any drugs that increase heart rate or cause excitation like decongestants (found in cough and cold products) because it may counteract blood pressure medicine.