Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg

Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg — Uses and Benefits

Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention associated with certain heart, liver, or kidney conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Reducing swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems
• Sometimes used along with other blood pressure medicines for better control

HOW IT WORKS

• Acts on the kidneys to increase excretion of sodium and water
• Reduces the volume of fluid in blood vessels, lowering blood pressure
• Relaxes blood vessel walls over time, adding to its blood pressure-lowering effect

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for immediate relief of chest pain or heart attack
• Not a treatment for infections
• Not used for weight loss, despite its water-loss effect
• Not suitable for treating diabetes or cholesterol problems

How to Use Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Take in the morning to avoid needing to urinate frequently at night
• Can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water
• Do not stop taking suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well
• Continue taking regularly, as this medicine controls but does not cure high blood pressure

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or consult your doctor for advice

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Increased urination
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure on standing up
• Mild stomach upset
• Headache

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Low potassium or sodium levels
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Increased uric acid levels (may trigger gout)
• Skin rash or itching

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe dizziness, fainting, or irregular heartbeat
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Severe muscle weakness or cramps
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, or reduced urination
• Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to chlorthalidone or other sulfonamide-derived medicines
• Have no urine output (anuria)
• Have severe kidney failure
• Are pregnant, unless specifically advised by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have diabetes or gout
• Have a history of low potassium or sodium levels
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had allergic reactions to sulfa-based medicines
• Are elderly, as you may be more sensitive to its effects

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines
• Lithium
• Digoxin
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Diabetes medicines, as blood sugar may be affected
• Corticosteroids
• Other diuretics or potassium supplements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once my blood pressure is normal?

No, you should not stop without your doctor's advice, as blood pressure can rise again if the medicine is stopped suddenly.

Will this medicine make me urinate frequently?

Yes, especially in the first few days, but this usually settles as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Can I take this medicine with other blood pressure tablets?

• Yes, it is often combined with other medicines, but only under your doctor's supervision.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.