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Thiazide-like diuretic

Chlortalidone

Brand names: Hygroton

Adult dose

Dose: Hypertension: 12.5–25mg OD (max 50mg). Heart failure: 25–50mg OD
Route: PO
Frequency: OD

Clinical pearls

  • Longer-acting (40–60h) than bendroflumethiazide; better evidence for cardiovascular outcomes (SHEP, ALLHAT)
  • Consider switch from bendroflumethiazide if BP suboptimal

Contraindications

  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30)
  • Anuria
  • Refractory hyponatraemia/hypokalaemia
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Symptomatic hyperuricaemia

Side effects

  • Hypokalaemia
  • Hyponatraemia
  • Hyperuricaemia (gout)
  • Hyperglycaemia
  • Erectile dysfunction

Interactions

  • NSAIDs reduce effect
  • Lithium toxicity
  • ACEi/ARB additive hypotension
  • QT-prolonging drugs (with hypokalaemia)

Monitoring

  • U&E
  • Glucose

Reference: BNF; NICE NG136; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/chlortalidone/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.