Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of chlorothiazide?
What is the pharmacologic class of chlorothiazide?
Thiazide diuretic
What are the recommended uses for chlorothiazide?
Which conditions may chlorothiazide also treat edema due to?
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Chlorothiazide can take up to 4 weeks for optimum therapeutic effect.
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What are some of the adverse effects of chlorothiazide?
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Which symptoms may indicate excessive loss of water/electrolytes?
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What is a potential serious consequence of taking Diuril (chlorothiazide)?
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When taking Diuril, what types of foods should be increased?
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What happens when Diuril is taken with amphotericin B or corticosteroids?
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What can Diuril taken with sulfonylureas and insulin cause?
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What decreases the absorption of chlorothiazide?
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Alcohol can increase the hypertensive action of thiazide diuretics.
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Caffeine may decrease diuresis.
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What is a possible effect when chlorothiazide is given with other antihypertensives?
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Which herbal supplements may interact with thiazide diuretics?
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Licorice and aloe may worsen hypokalemia.
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What can occur when chlorothiazide is used with ginkgo biloba?
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What may result from taking chlorothiazide with hawthorn?
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You should take chlorothiazide if you cannot urinate.
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You can take chlorothiazide if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
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What medical conditions should you avoid taking chlorothiazide if you have?
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When taking chlorothiazide, what should you avoid?
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Why should you drink as much liquid as instructed by your doctor while taking chlorothiazide?
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What types of medications should you inform your doctor about if they make you lightheaded?
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What conditions is Diuril (chlorothiazide) used to treat?
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What are some mild side effects of chlorothiazide?
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What are some severe side effects of chlorothiazide?
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Which foods are considered potassium-rich?
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Study Notes
Drug Profile: Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Therapeutic class includes antihypertensive properties and reduces edema.
- Pharmacologically classified as a thiazide diuretic.
- Prescribed for mild to moderate hypertension and may be combined with other antihypertensives for severe cases.
- Used to treat edema associated with heart failure, liver disease, corticosteroid therapy, and estrogen therapy.
- Maximum therapeutic effect may take up to four weeks; IV administration takes 15-30 minutes.
- Common adverse effects include excess loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
- Symptoms of excessive electrolyte loss include thirst, weakness, lethargy, muscle cramping, hypotension, and tachycardia.
- Possible serious consequence is hypokalemia, particularly in patients taking digoxin.
- Patients should increase potassium-rich food intake; potassium supplements may be necessary.
- Co-administration with amphotericin B or corticosteroids raises the risk of hypokalemia.
- Taking with sulfonylureas or insulin may reduce their effectiveness.
- Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease chlorothiazide absorption.
- Alcohol consumption can enhance the hypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics and exacerbate side effects.
- Caffeine may lead to increased diuresis (urine production).
- When chlorothiazide is combined with other antihypertensives, it produces additive effects on blood pressure.
- Certain herbal supplements, like licorice and oral aloe, may interact adversely with thiazide diuretics, potentially worsening hypokalemia.
- Ginkgo biloba might elevate blood pressure when used with chlorothiazide.
- Hawthorn may cause additive hypotensive effects when taken with this medication.
- Do not use if unable to urinate, and contraindications include allergies to sulfa drugs.
- Avoid use in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, allergies, gout, lupus, or diabetes.
- Precautions include avoiding overheating, dehydration, and extreme weather conditions.
- Follow doctor’s advice on fluid intake since excessive or insufficient hydration can be harmful.
- Inform healthcare providers about other medications that cause dizziness, including cold medications, narcotics, and sedatives.
- Indicated for fluid retention in conditions such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney disorders, and edema related to steroids or estrogen, as well as hypertension.
- Mild side effects can include gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, muscle spasms, blurred vision, and libido loss.
- Severe side effects may include nausea with weakness, anorexia, headache, confusion, seizures, muscle pain, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, jaundice, easy bruising, and numbness or tingling.
- Potassium-rich foods to consider include seeds, chocolate, dried fruits, avocados, various fish, beans, nuts, and a variety of herbs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chlorothiazide (Diuril) with these flashcards covering its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, as well as its uses in treating hypertension and edema. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to refresh their understanding of this medication.
