HemiClor Side Effects

Generic name: chlorthalidone

Note: This document provides detailed information about HemiClor.

Applies to chlorthalidone: oral tablet Side Effects associated with chlorthalidone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name HemiClor.

Applies to chlorthalidone: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause you to lose more potassium from your body than normal (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor if you become sick with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and drink fluids to prevent getting dehydrated. Check with your doctor right away if you have dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, or nausea or vomiting.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.

Drinking alcoholic beverages may also make the dizziness worse. While you are taking this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

Serious side effects of HemiClor

Along with its needed effects, chlorthalidone (the active ingredient contained in HemiClor) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chlorthalidone:

Other side effects of HemiClor

Some side effects of chlorthalidone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to chlorthalidone: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Postural hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Cardiac arrhythmias^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Urticaria, rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Photosensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Purpura, necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis), Lyell's syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): GI discomfort, anorexia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pancreatitis
• Frequency not reported: Cramping^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Impotence
• Frequency not reported: Glycosuria^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis
• Frequency not reported: Aplastic anemia^[Ref]

eosinophilia

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypokalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hyperglycemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gout
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypercalcemia, inadequate control of diabetes mellitus
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypochloremic alkalosis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Intrahepatic cholestasis or jaundice^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions usually involve the skin (see DERMATOLOGIC).^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle spasm^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Paresthesia, headache
• Frequency not reported: Vertigo^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Vertigo, weakness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Visual impairment
• Frequency not reported: Xanthopsia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?

Further information

HemiClor side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer