Drug Detail:Chlorthalidone (Chlorthalidone [ klor-thal-i-done ])
Drug Class: Thiazide diuretics
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension
- Initial dose: 25 mg orally once a day
- Titration: Increase to 50 mg orally once a day if response is inadequate; if response is still inadequate, increase to 100 mg orally once a day, or a second antihypertensive drug (step 2 therapy) may be added
- Maintenance dose: 25 to 100 mg orally once a day
- Maximum dose: 100 mg orally once a day
Comments:
- Doses should be taken in the morning with food.
- Maintenance doses may be lower than initial doses and should be adjusted according to individual patient response.
- Effectiveness is well sustained during continued use.
Use: Hypertension (alone or with another antihypertensive drug)
Usual Adult Dose for Edema
- Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg orally once a day, or 100 mg orally every other day; some patients may require 150 to 200 mg orally at these intervals
- Maximum dose: 200 mg orally once a day
Comments:
- Doses should be taken in the morning with food.
- Maintenance doses may be lower than initial doses and should be adjusted according to individual patient response.
- Effectiveness is well sustained during continued use.
Use: For edema due to various forms of renal dysfunction, such as nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic renal failure
Renal Dose Adjustments
Severe renal failure: Caution recommended.
If a clinically significant decrease in renal function develops during treatment: Consider withholding or discontinuing treatment.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Dose Adjustments
Elderly patients: Elimination of this drug is slower than in healthy young adults, although absorption is the same; therefore, a reduction in the recommended adult dosage may be needed.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Administer as a single dose in the morning with food.
General:
- Therapy should be initiated with the lowest possible dose. This dose should be titrated according to individual patient response.
Monitoring:
- Metabolic: Electrolytes, periodically, especially with high doses and in elderly patients.
- Renal: Renal function, periodically.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
