Chlorothiazide
(klor-oh-THYE-uh-zyde)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
Chlorothiazide (Diuril") belongs to a class of medications known as diuretics. This medication acts on the kidneys to increase the amount of urine. This helps remove excess water from the body and may help conditions that affect the heart like hypertension. It may be given by injection, or orally as a tablet or suspension.
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Special Instructions
- Chlorothiazide can be given once or twice a day. If it is given once a day, it should be given in the morning at breakfast. If it is given twice a day, give the first dose in the morning and the second dose with the evening meal, but before 6 pm. This will minimize your child's need to go to the bathroom late at night.
- Take with food.
- Shake suspension well before giving dose.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Wear sunscreen.
- Avoid medications like ibuprofen (Advil", Motrin") unless advised by your child's doctor, as these agents can decrease the effect of chlorothiazide.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a Dose is Missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side Effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Dizziness
- Loss of potassium. (The doctor may want to draw blood periodically to check the potassium level.
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun causing the child to burn more easily.
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Warning Signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if any of the following occur:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart racing
- Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5100 1/00
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
