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What Is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is a prescription oral antihypertensive and diuretic. It is used for hypertension and as adjunctive therapy for edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, corticosteroid or estrogen therapy, and selected kidney disorders. Current tablets commonly contain 25 mg or 50 mg and are generally taken as a single morning dose with food.

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What Is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is a prescription oral antihypertensive and diuretic. It is used for hypertension and as adjunctive therapy for edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, corticosteroid or estrogen therapy, and selected kidney disorders. Current tablets commonly contain 25 mg or 50 mg and are generally taken as a single morning dose with food.

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How Does Chlorthalidone Increase Diuresis?

Chlorthalidone acts in the cortical diluting segment of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. It increases urinary excretion of sodium and chloride, which draws water into the urine. Its diuretic action begins within a few hours and can persist for up to 72 hours after a dose.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is used alone or with other antihypertensive medicines for high blood pressure. It is also used as adjunctive treatment for edema linked to congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, corticosteroid or estrogen therapy, nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic renal failure.

How Are Chlorthalidone Tablets Dosed?

Hypertension treatment commonly starts at 25 mg once daily. The dose can increase to 50 mg and then to 100 mg once daily when needed. Edema treatment commonly starts at 50 mg to 100 mg daily or 100 mg on alternate days. The lowest dose that produces the intended response is used.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone can cause low potassium, low sodium, low magnesium, high uric acid, gout, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Kidney impairment can increase drug accumulation, while liver disease raises concern for electrolyte changes that can precipitate hepatic coma. Anuria and hypersensitivity to chlorthalidone or other sulfonamide-derived drugs are contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorthalidone

Is chlorthalidone a diuretic?

Yes. Chlorthalidone is a long-acting oral diuretic used for hypertension and selected forms of edema.

How often is chlorthalidone taken?

For hypertension, chlorthalidone is commonly taken once daily in the morning with food.

What is a common starting dose for hypertension?

A common adult starting dose is 25 mg once daily.

Can chlorthalidone lower potassium?

Yes. Hypokalemia can occur, so serum electrolytes are checked periodically during treatment.

References

Chlorthalidone. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682342.html. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

Chlorthalidone. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2732. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

Chlorthalidone. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553174/. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

DailyMed - CHLORTHALIDONE tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5de362df-8fb9-4421-864c-7ea06339d6e7. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

DailyMed - THALITONE (chlorthalidone) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bc5a0299-115b-4e60-bb3f-c75a95c51c15. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.