Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Chlorthalidone.
Cholesterol: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when you are taking chlorthalidone. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with blood tests while you are taking Chlorthalidone.
Diabetes: Chlorthalidone may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Chlorthalidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorthalidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dizziness/slower reaction: Because dizziness and a slower reaction time are possible side effects of taking chlorthalidone, especially at the start of therapy, you should see how the medication affects you before operating machines or driving motor vehicles.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes in your body such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced by the use of chlorthalidone. Your doctor will periodically check to see whether these are in balance, and a potassium supplement may be necessary. Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- dryness of mouth
- lethargy
- Low Blood Pressure
- muscle pains or cramps
- muscular fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- racing heartbeat
- restlessness
- seizures
- thirst
- weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. To prevent low potassium levels, eat foods that are high in potassium (e.g., bananas, dried figs, dates, prunes, nuts). If your potassium level is low, your doctor may suggest a potassium supplement.
Gout: Chlorthalidone may aggravate or cause gout. People with high levels of uric acid in the blood or a history of gout should discuss with their doctor how Chlorthalidone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorthalidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney disease: If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Chlorthalidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorthalidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: If you have reduced liver function or progressive liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Chlorthalidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Chlorthalidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lupus: Chlorthalidone may worsen or activate the symptoms of lupus. If you experience swollen and painful joints, fever, fatigue, or rash on the nose and cheeks while taking Chlorthalidone, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Chlorthalidone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Chlorthalidone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Chlorthalidone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking chlorthalidone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Chlorthalidone have not been established for children.
