Diuril (Chlorothiazide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Diuril

Diuretics »

What are diuretics and how do they work?

The amount of fluid (water) retained by the body is controlled primarily by the kidneys. This occurs due to the kidney's ability to control the retention and elimination of sodium and chloride, because the amounts of sodium, chloride, and water in the body are carefully balanced. Thus, if sodium and chloride are eliminated from the body, water also is eliminated. Conversely, if sodium and chloride are retained by the body, so is water.

The elimination of sodium, chloride, and water from the body is somewhat complex. In the kidneys, sodium, chloride, and other small molecules are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney where urine is formed. Most of the sodium, chloride, and water are reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid leaves the kidney in the form of urine. To make matters even more complex, there are different mechanisms that are active in different parts of the tu...

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Diuril Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking chlorothiazide (Diuril)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorothiazide, or if you are unable to urinate.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking chlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
asthma or allergies;
gout;
lupus;
diabetes; or
if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take chlorothiazide.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorothiazide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Chlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take chlorothiazide (Diuril)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may need to be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

Chlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

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