Chlorthalidone; Clonidine oral tablets

What is this medication?

CHLORTHALIDONE; CLONIDINE (klor THAL i done ; KLOE ni deen) is a combination of two medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic. It lowers blood pressure and increases the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose salt and water. Clonidine also lowers blood pressure.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Clorpres, Combipres

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

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

• asthma
• diabetes
• gout
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, clonidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take this medicine with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital
• certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline or imipramine
• digoxin
• ephedra, Ma Huang
• glycyrrhizin (licorice)
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• other medicines for high blood pressure
• 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 regularly 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 blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

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

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. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

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
• anxiety, nervousness
• chest pain
• depressed mood
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• increased hunger or thirst
• muscle pain, cramps, or spasm
• pain or difficulty when passing urine
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• swelling of feet or legs
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

• change in sex drive or performance
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea
• 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?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.