Hypertension and its results
Nowadays, there are no doubts that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is becoming a pandemic worldwide. Hypertension has become a major risk factor for diseases of the heart, brain, and kidneys. Today it is the leading cause of acute coronary syndrome and a heart stroke.
High blood pressure creates additional load on the entire cardiovascular system. In case this condition lasts for months and years, the blood vessels and the heart itself stop functioning properly. The danger increases when it comes to such important organs as kidneys, heart and, of course, brain. Improper blood circulation causes the development of numerous serious diseases of these organs. Hypertension is another big factor in increasing the risk of heart attacks. To be able to solve these problems there is a need to take the blood pressure under control.
One of the best choices to do so is to use Chlorthalidone for lowering blood pressure.
What is Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone, also known as Thalitone, is a diuretic medication which is widely prescribed to patients suffering from high blood pressure and certain enlargement of the pumping chamber of the heart. Besides, this diuretic successfully treats edema (fluid retention) caused by kidney disorders or heart failure. Chlorthalidone can be used alone, as well as in combination with other medications.
Is Chlorthalidone a water pill?
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic, which in simple words means that this is a water pill. This type of pills is a great medication able to decrease the amount of water and salt in the body through the urine flow. This is exactly what leads to lowering the blood pressure.
Is there a generic for Chlorthalidone?
Chlorthalidone is a drug available mostly as a generic drug. The good thing about the generic drugs is that they are usually cheaper than brand-name versions. It is also known as a Thalitone diuretic. You need a doctor’s prescription to buy it. This is a pill for oral use only.
What is Chlorthalidone used for?
Chlorthalidone diuretic is a very effective means to treat hypertension. It is prescribed as a sole treatment as well as together with other medications for heart pressure control. Apart from such use, this drug is very effective when it comes to swellings and fluid retention. Due to its ability to increase the urine flow, it allows treating conditions like those.
Chlorthalidone dosage for hypertension
The dose one needs to take depends on the patient and his complaints. It is advisable to consult the doctor for the dose you need to take in, otherwise strictly follow the instruction supplied with the drug. The information below gives only general information about dosage, and your doctor may prescribe you a different doze taking into consideration a lot of factors like your age, other illnesses you have, how severe your hypertension is, how your organism reacts to the first dose, so on.
Adult dosage (from 18 to 64 years old)
- Starting dosage: 25 mg which means one pill per day.
- The doctor treating you may adjust the dose as needed based on how your body reacts to medication.
- Maximum dosage: 100 mg (4 pills (25mg), or 2 pills (50mg) taken in with the equal intervals or all at once, according to the doctor’s prescription).
Child dosage (from 0 to 17 years old)
Chlorthalidone with hypertension hasn’t been studied in children. So it is better not to use it in people under the age of 18. If it becomes necessary, only the doctor can determine the use and the dose.
Dosage for elderly people (over 65 years old)
The organism of people over 65 may process Thalitone more slowly. So seniors need a lower dose or a different schedule of taking in this drug. It is better to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
Handling a missed dose
It happens that people miss taking in a pill. If this is the case, there is no need to worry, just take it when you realize that you forgot to do this. But if the time for your next dose is approaching, forget about the missed dose and take in the next pill just as you do it on regular basis. Do not take two doses at once because of missing one. Chlorthalidone has a very long action period, from 24 to 72 hours, so it is enough to take it once a day, and even if you skip one, nothing terrible will happen.
Chlorthalidone side effects
Like any drug, Chlorthalidone used for hypertension has certain side effects which you need to be aware of before you start taking it. Not all of them occur, and sometimes people do not notice any at all, but in case you feel any, be sure to call your doctor and tell about your feelings and fears.
The most common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- a headache
- increased thirst
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation.
These effects are not life-threatening if they are mild, and they may go away in a couple of days when the body gets used to the drug. But if they are quite severe or last too long, turn to your doctor.
Be sure you turn for medical help if you have the following serious side effects:
- Increased heart rate
- A sore throat and fever
- some bleeding or bruising
- the appearance of skin rash or peeling skin
- feeling difficulty breathing and swallowing
- restlessness
- muscle pains or cramps.
Interaction with other medications
Chlorthalidone can interact with other drugs, vitamins, or herbs you might be taking. All of them should be taken into consideration because different substances can change the way this diuretic works. It can appear to be very harmful or prevent the correct functioning of the drug. Turn to your doctor so that he or she can manage all of your drugs carefully. Only a doctor or pharmacist is able to help you find out how Chlorthalidone might interact with some other drugs.
Additional advice
Only a regular, correct and well-monitored use of Thalitone can bring positive results. Visit your doctor regularly to check your progress and make sure this drug is working as it should. Do the necessary blood tests to avoid the unwanted side effects.