Chlorthalidone – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com
Thursday, August 23, 2018 by Ralph Flores
http://www.naturalpedia.com/chlorthalidone-uses-health-risks-and-side-effects-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Chlorthalidone (brand names: Thalitone, Hygroton) is a diuretic – that is, a type of medication designed to help the body get rid of excess water and salt – and a antihypertensive. The drug is used to treat fluid retention (edema), a common complication of congestive heart failure, as well as kidney and liver disorders.
People who are allergic to chlorthalidone, including sulfa and thiazide drugs, should not take the medication. Similarly, those who have a severe liver disorder, as well as those who are unable to produce urine, are discouraged from taking chlorthalidone. If a person treated with the drug during progressive kidney disease begins to experience increased urination, he should discontinue use of chlorthalidone.
Known health risks or side effects of chlorthalidone
Common side effects of chlorthalidone include:
- Dizziness, in particular, a spinning sensation
- General malaise, which includes nausea, vomiting, and either constipation or diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Impotence and other sexual problems
If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, get hold of emergency medical help immediately.
- Signs of an allergic reaction – these include hives, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing
- Feeling as if you’ll pass out
- Little or no urination, including dark-colored urine
- A severe pain the stomach that radiates to the back
- Pale, clammy, or yellow skin
- Fever and skin that’s easily bruised
- Bleeding
- Signs of abnormally high calcium levels in the blood – these include bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased thirst
- Signs of low sodium levels – these include slurred speech, severe weakness, and generally feeling unsteady
- Signs of low potassium levels – leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, and numbness
- Electrolyte imbalance – seizures, muscle pain, feeling listless, rapid heart rate
Body systems that might be affected by chlorthalidone
The body systems damaged by the side effects of chlorthalidone include the cardiovascular, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. It also affects the blood, metabolism, the liver, and in rare cases, the musculoskeletal, ocular, respiratory and psychiatric systems.
Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to chlorthalidone
Traditional medical systems have long relied on natural diuretic options to treat illnesses in the body. Here are some herbs that have exhibited diuretic properties, according to multiple studies.
To get the most of these herbs, it is advisable to steep them into tea. Likewise, juniper and parsley – once these are added to food – have diuretic effects.
Aside from these, following the DASH diet can aid in regulating blood pressure. Other food items to help lower a person’s blood pressure include:
- Flaxseed
- Olive oil
- Beets
- Pistachios
- Pomegranate
- Fatty fish
- Whole grains
Drinking hibiscus tea can also help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Treatments, management options for the side effects of chlorthalidone
To naturally manage fluid retention, the following should be observed.
- Reduce salt intake, as well as alcohol and caffeine.
- Exercise regularly to get rid of excess salt and water in the body.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Practice breathing exercises.
These are also applicable to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Where to learn more
Summary
Chlorthalidone is used to treat fluid retention (edema), a common complication of cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic diseases.
Chlorthalidone is not suitable for those with a severe liver disorder and those who are unable to produce urine.
Chlorthalidone affects the cardiovascular, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems.
Sources include:
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