Why is this drug prescribed?

Hygroton is a diuretic (water pill) used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver (a disease of the liver caused by damage to its cells), corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disease. When used for high blood pressure, Hygroton may be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure.

Most important fact about this drug

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Hygroton regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Hygroton; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hygroton does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take this medication?

Diuretics such as Hygroton increase urination; therefore Hygroton should be taken in the morning.

Do not interchange Hygroton or generic chlorthalidone with Thalitone without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Hygroton may be taken with food. Take it exactly as prescribed.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe to continue taking Hygroton.

• Side effects may include:
  Allergic reaction, anemia, changes in blood sugar, change in potassium levels (causing such symptoms as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), constipation, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, dizziness upon standing up, flaky skin, headache, hives, impotence, inflammation of the pancreas, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, restlessness, sensitivity to light, stomach irritation, tingling or pins and needles, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are unable to urinate or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to or are sensitive to chlorthalidone or other sulfa drugs, do not take Hygroton.

Special warnings about this medication

Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to other diuretics or if you have asthma, kidney or liver disease, gout, or lupus.

If you have a history of bronchial asthma, you are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Hygroton.

Be careful in hot weather not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive thirst, tiredness, restlessness, muscle pains or cramps, nausea, vomiting, or increased heart rate or pulse.

This medication may aggravate lupus erythematosus, a disease of the connective tissue.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Drinking alcohol may increase the chance of dizziness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Hygroton is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hygroton with the following:

Appetite-control medicines such as Tenuate
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Decongestants (medicines for colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus)
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithonate)
Oral diabetes drugs such as Micronase
Other high blood pressure medications such as Catapres and Aldomet
Steroids such as prednisone

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Information is not available about the safety of Hygroton during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Hygroton may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Hygroton is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will tailor your individual dose to the lowest possible amount that delivers a satisfactory response.

Once desired control of blood pressure or fluid retention has been achieved, your doctor may adjust your dose downward. Return to top

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Hygroton

The usual initial dosage is a single dose of 25 milligrams. Your doctor may increase the dose to 100 milligrams once daily.

Thalitone

The usual initial dose is a single dose of 15 milligrams. Your doctor may increase the dose to 45 to 50 milligrams once daily. Return to top

FLUID RETENTION

Hygroton

The usual recommended initial dose is 50 to 100 milligrams daily or 100 milligrams every other day. Some people may require up to 150 to 200 milligrams at these intervals.

Thalitone

The usual initial dose is 30 to 60 milligrams daily or 60 milligrams on alternate days. Some people may require up to 90 to 120 milligrams at these intervals.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Hygroton overdose may include:
  Confusion, dizziness, nausea, weakness