Hygroton 50mg Tablets

Chlorthalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic that acts primarily in the cortical diluting segment of the distal convoluted tubule. It inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions by blocking the Na+/Cl- cotransporter (NCC), leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. It also increases potassium and magnesium excretion and decreases calcium excretion. Its antihypertensive effect is thought to be due to a reduction in plasma volume and peripheral vascular resistance.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Unable to pass urine
+ Change in how much urine is passed
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem), including:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Abnormal sensations, such as burning, numbness, or tingling
Erectile dysfunction
Restlessness
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Changes in vision
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling very tired or weak

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Stomach cramps

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
A known sulfa allergy.
If you have difficulty urinating.
If you are breastfeeding. Note that you should not breastfeed while taking this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health issues. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This will help ensure your safety and prevent any potential interactions with other treatments.

To minimize the risk of accidents, avoid driving and engaging in activities that require your full attention until you understand how this medication affects you. When getting up from a sitting or lying down position, rise slowly to reduce the likelihood of feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Be cautious when climbing stairs to avoid falls.

Regularly monitor your blood pressure as directed by your healthcare provider. This medication may cause an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.

Follow your doctor's instructions for getting blood work done, as this medication may impact certain laboratory test results. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication to ensure accurate test results.

Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels, as this medication may affect them. Be aware of the signs of high blood sugar, such as confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath, and report them to your doctor.

If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, including cough and cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

This medication is a potent diuretic, which means it can cause your body to lose excess water and electrolytes, such as potassium. This can lead to severe health problems if not properly managed. Your doctor will closely monitor you and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure your body's needs are met.

Be aware of the potential for gout attacks while taking this medication. If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor to ensure safe treatment.

This medication may increase your risk of sunburn, so take precautions when spending time outdoors. If you experience easy sunburning while taking this medication, inform your doctor.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication with your doctor to make an informed decision about your treatment.

• Lithium (increased lithium toxicity)
• Dofetilide (increased dofetilide levels, risk of arrhythmias)
• Corticosteroids (increased risk of hypokalemia)
• Digoxin (increased risk of digoxin toxicity with hypokalemia)
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (reduced diuretic/antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment)
• Antidiabetic agents (may decrease hypoglycemic effect)

• Other antihypertensives (additive hypotensive effect)
• Muscle relaxants, non-depolarizing (potentiated effect)
• Cholestyramine/Colestipol (reduced chlorthalidone absorption)
• Alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics (additive orthostatic hypotension)
• Pressor amines (e.g., norepinephrine) (decreased arterial responsiveness)

• Signs of electrolyte imbalance (muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, confusion)
• Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, lightheadedness)
• Symptoms of gout (sudden, severe joint pain, redness, swelling)
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue)
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing)

Chlorthalidone is generally not recommended for routine use in healthy pregnant women with mild edema or hypertension, as it may reduce placental perfusion and is associated with potential fetal/neonatal adverse effects (e.g., jaundice, thrombocytopenia, electrolyte disturbances). Use only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Chlorthalidone is excreted in breast milk. While the amount is generally small, it can potentially decrease milk supply due to its diuretic effect. Use with caution; monitor the infant for signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Consider alternative antihypertensives if possible.

Safety and efficacy are not well-established for routine pediatric use. Use is generally off-label and requires careful consideration of risks vs. benefits, with close monitoring of electrolytes and renal function.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of chlorthalidone, particularly regarding electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia) and orthostatic hypotension. Lower initial doses and careful titration are recommended. Close monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is crucial.

• Chlorthalidone has a significantly longer half-life (40-60 hours) compared to hydrochlorothiazide (6-15 hours), allowing for more sustained blood pressure control with once-daily dosing.
• It is considered by many guidelines (e.g., JNC 8, ACC/AHA) as a preferred thiazide-type diuretic for hypertension due to its superior evidence base for cardiovascular outcome reduction compared to hydrochlorothiazide.
• Administer in the morning to prevent nocturia (nighttime urination).
• Patients should be advised about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration and monitoring for symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia.
• Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of gout or hyperuricemia, as chlorthalidone can exacerbate these conditions.
• Not effective in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min); loop diuretics are preferred in this setting.

• Other Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone)
• Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Torsemide, Bumetanide) - for more potent diuresis, especially in renal impairment or heart failure.
• Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride, Triamterene) - often used in combination to counteract potassium loss.
• Other Antihypertensive Classes (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium Channel Blockers, Beta-blockers) - depending on patient comorbidities and specific indications.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.