Chlorthalidone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Applies to chlorthalidone: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of chlorthalidone

Along with its needed effects, chlorthalidone 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:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest pain
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cold sweats
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• coughing up blood
• darkened urine
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• indigestion
• itching or skin rash
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• pain in the joints or muscles
• painful or difficult urination
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• red, irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• redness, soreness or itching skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sores, welting, or blisters
• sugar in the urine
• sweating
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• swollen glands
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight loss
• vomiting
• vomiting of blood
• weight loss
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of chlorthalidone

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:

Incidence not known

• cramping
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• hives
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• muscle spasm
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• restlessness
• sensation of spinning
• severe sunburn
• weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to chlorthalidone: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

• 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]

Frequently asked questions

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

Further information

Chlorthalidone 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer