What is Chlorothiazide?
Chlorothiazide (water pill) is a diuretic that treats fluid accumulation in patients with congestive cardiac failure or kidney or liver disorders. It is also used to treat oedema due to taking oestrogen or steroids. Chlorothiazide can also be used to treat hypertension. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of chlorothiazide.
Side effects of Chlorothiazide
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat) or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore neck, burning or itching eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Chlorothiazide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Little or no urination
- Do you suffer from intense abdominal or backache that spreads into your upper abdomen and is spreading into your back area
- Low blood cell counts: pale or yellowed complexion, dark urine, fever, or easy bruising and bleeding
- Signs of electrolyte depletion include: dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, constipation, muscle cramps and weakness, leg cramps or dizziness, and drowsiness. Other symptoms are fatigue, restlessness, rapid heartbeats, or tingly feelings.
Chlorothiazide side effects include:
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Numbness or tingling
- Diarrhoea, constipation, stomach cramps;
- Blurred vision
- Muscle spasm
- Impotence and sexual problems
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing symptoms; for FDA reports of side effects call them at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you have a problem urinating or are allergic to sulfa drugs, you should avoid using chlorothiazide.
Before you take this drug
If you experience symptoms related to chlorothiazidazide allergy or:
- You are unable to urinate
- You are allergic to sulfa medications.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Asthma;
- Gout;
- Diabetes;
- Lupus;
- High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides - two forms of blood fats found within our system - is one risk.
The effects of chlorothiazide on an unborn child are unknown. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Breastfeeding mothers must not use this medicine. Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use chlorothiazide.
How to take Chlorothiazide?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Your medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. Before measuring a dose, shake the orally suspended liquid. Use either the provided dosing device or another dose-measuring tool (not spoon). Injections of chlorothiazide are given into the veins. If you cannot take the medication by mouth, a healthcare provider can give you an injection.
If you experience any pain or swelling when the chlorothiazide injection is given, tell your carers. It may be necessary to adhere to a special diet in order to prevent your potassium levels from falling too low. You should follow the instructions given by your doctor or dietitian. Learn which foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your condition. You will need to check your blood pressure often. You may experience low blood pressure due to vomiting, diarrhoea, or heavy sweating. Vomiting, diarrhoea, or heavy sweating are all examples. If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, call your doctor.Tell your doctor that you are taking chlorothiazide. Tell your doctor that you use chlorothiazide. Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include confusion, an uneven heartbeat, extreme thirst, increased urine, muscle weakness, feeling hot or thirsty, or not being able to urinate.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol and chlorothiazide may cause side effects.You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.Drink enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink. Drinking too much liquid is as dangerous as not drinking enough.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking chlorothiazide along with other drugs that make you dizzy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Other blood pressure medications
- Colestipol or cholestyramine
- Lithium;
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- Steroid medicine;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, celecoxib, and diclofenac.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and prescription and OTC medications, may also affect chlorothiazide. This list does not include all drug interactions.
