How does it work?

Chlorothiazide is known as a thiazide diuretic (water tablet). Thiazide diuretics act in the kidney to remove water from the blood into the urine, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This drop in fluid volume results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels, which helps to lower high blood pressure. It also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. There are many conditions which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). Chlorothiazide is commonly used in conditions such as heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, such as the shortness of breath seen with fluid on the lungs. Chlorothiazide is also used to remove excess fluid associated with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease and premenstrual tension.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure

Swelling due to excess fluid retention (oedema)

Warning!

It is recommended that individuals taking this medicine have their fluid and salt (electrolyte) balance monitored regularly.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine you should inform your doctor promptly, so that the amount of fluids and salts in your body can be checked: thirst, lethargy, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, scanty production of urine, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, nausea and vomiting.

As diuretics cause your kidneys to produce more urine, you may prefer to take this medicine in the morning rather than before going to bed, as this will reduce the likelihood of you needing to get up in the night to visit the toilet. Seek further advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Elderly people

Gout

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Pregnancy

Not to be used in

Allergy to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic sulphamethoxazole

Breastfeeding

Failure of the kidneys to produce urine (anuria)

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands

People taking lithium

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Low blood sodium level (hyponatraemia)

Low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesaemia)

High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)

High blood uric acid level (hyperuricaemia) which can cause kidney problems and gout

Rash

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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