Diuretic response to chlorthalidone

Abstract

Chlorthalidone has been administered to nine normal subjects and 28 patients. It is a powerful diuretic with a duration of action of 24-72 hours in patients with oedema. The dose-response curve in normal subjects and the pattern of diuresis in normal and oedematous subjects are described. An improvement in diuresis and a reduction in potassium loss have been achieved in some patients by simultaneous administration of spironolactone. The recommended doses are 100-200 mg. once or twice a week for the treatment of oedema, and 12.5-25 mg. every day as adjuvant therapy in hypertension. There have been few side-effects. Hypokalaemia can be prevented by administration of potassium chloride or spironolactone. A reversible rise in blood urea has sometimes followed over-vigorous use of the diuretic. © 1961, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.