Chlorothiazide is used for the treatment of bodily fluids accumulation caused by drugs or certain disorders. Moreover, it is used to treat high blood pressure.
What is Chlorothiazide?
Chlorothiazide acts by promoting fluid elimination through the kidneys. Its exact mechanism of action in the pressure control is not fully understood.
How should Chlorothiazide be taken?
Chlorothiazide may be administered orally (in form of tablets or suspension) or directly by vein injection.
Its dose prescription can be matched to the one of potassium supplement.
Side effects associated with Chlorothiazide
Chlorothiazide can cause hyperglycemia. It also can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Tarnished view
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling faint or lightheaded, especially when you getting up or standing
- Numbness or tingling
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Chlorothiazide triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Confusion
- Urine amount reduction
- Drowsiness
- Gout
- Inability to maintain an erection
- Pancreas inflammation
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Peeling skin, redness, swelling or blistering
- Restlessness
- Convulsions
- Breath shortness
- Unusual thirst or dry mouth
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Chlorothiazide
Chlorothiazide should not be taken if you are unable to urinate and if you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.
Chlorothiazide may affect the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. In addition, the dizziness associated with its intake can be aggravated by high temperatures, physical activity and fever.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its ingredients, other drugs (in particular sulfa drugs) or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular NSAIDs, barbiturates, narcotics, medicines for high blood pressure, diazoxide, muscle relaxants, lithium, digoxin, dofetilide, ketanserin, insulin or antidiabetic
- You suffer (or have suffered) from gout, liver or kidney problems, lupus, diabetes, asthma, problems with the parathyroid glands, high cholesterol or lipid level, low pressure, low blood levels of sodium, chloride, potassium or magnesium or high levels of blood calcium
- You had a recent surgery
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Chlorothiazide prior to any procedure.
