Hygroton (Chlorthalidone)
Hygroton (Chlorthalidone) Dosage and Side Effects
HYGROTON is prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention, which can be caused by various diseases including heart disease.
Proper Use of this medication
To treat high blood pressure, the typical daily dose of HYGROTON ranges from 25 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg.
To treat edema, the recommended daily dose of HYGROTON is typically 50 mg to 100 mg, or 100 mg every other day.
For patients with heart failure, the typical dose of HYGROTON is 12.5 mg to 100 mg, daily.
HYGROTON Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact an emergency room or a poison control center.
Missed HYGROTON
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double up" to make up for a missed dose.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of HYGROTON:
- Low levels of potassium, sodium, and magnesium in the body
- High calcium and uric acid levels in the body
- High blood sugar levels in those with diabetes
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
Serious Side Effects of HYGROTON:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Sore throat with fever
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe skin rash with peeling skin
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Warnings and Precautions
HYGROTON controls high blood pressure, but does not cure the condition. You should continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. You should not stop taking the drug without first consulting with your doctor.
You must tell your physician if you have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney/thyroid/parathyroid disease before taking HYGROTON. Also, make sure your doctor knows that you are on this medication prior to any type of surgery, including dental surgery.
HYGROTON may make you drowsy, so you should not drive or operate machinery until you know how it will affect you. You may experience frequent urination when you first start taking HYGROTON, but this symptom should go away after a few weeks.
Pregnancy and HYGROTON
HYGROTON should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Large amounts of diuretics may suppress milk production, but the American Academy of Pediatrics considers thiazides to be compatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions with this medication
HYGROTON may interact with other medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:
- Loop diuretics, including furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Drugs containing lithium
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and nabumetone (Relafen)
- Diabetes medications
HYGROTON and Other Interactions
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods while taking HYGROTON.
Because the drug may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, you should avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking HYGROTON. It's also important to be careful when driving or performing other activities that require alertness, as HYGROTON may cause you to become drowsy. Alcohol may worsen this effect.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.