Chlorothiazide Injection

What is this medication?

CHLOROTHIAZIDE (klor oh THYE a zide) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. It treats swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diuril, Sodium Diuril

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney or liver disease
• diabetes
• small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This drug is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• prescription pain medicines
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• some cholesterol-lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• gout attack
• muscle pain or cramps
• numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• pain or trouble when passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth
• headache
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.