Chlorthalidone

Diuretic (water pill)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) found in 13 medicines sold in India, such as Telma-CT 40, Telmikind-CT 40/6.25, Cresar CT 6.25. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: chlortalidone

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure by removing extra salt and water.

How it works

A long-acting thiazide-like diuretic for high blood pressure.

How to take it

Usually 12.5 to 25 mg once a day in the morning.

Common side effects

  • Passing more urine
  • Low potassium or sodium
  • Dizziness
  • Raised uric acid

Get medical help straight away if

  • Muscle cramps, weakness or confusion
  • Gout attack

Be careful

More urination; can lower potassium and raise sugar and uric acid.

Other medicines and interactions

Raises lithium levels; NSAIDs weaken it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Chlorthalidone (13)

Arbitel-CT 40/6.25Cortel-CH 40/6.25Cresar CT 6.25CTD-T 6.25/40Eritel-CH 6.25Tazloc-CT 6.25Telista CH 40/6.25Tellzy-CH 6.25Telma-CT 40Telmikind-CT 40/6.25Telmiride-CH 40/6.25Telpres CT 40/6.25Telsar CH 40/6.25

Common questions

What is Chlorthalidone used for?

Lowers blood pressure by removing extra salt and water.

How does Chlorthalidone work?

A long-acting thiazide-like diuretic for high blood pressure.

How should I take Chlorthalidone?

Usually 12.5 to 25 mg once a day in the morning.

What are the side effects of Chlorthalidone?

Common: Passing more urine, low potassium or sodium, dizziness, raised uric acid. Get help straight away for: Muscle cramps, weakness or confusion, gout attack.

Does Chlorthalidone interact with other medicines?

Raises lithium levels; NSAIDs weaken it.

Is Chlorthalidone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Does Chlorthalidone need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Chlorthalidone?

Arbitel-CT 40/6.25, Cortel-CH 40/6.25, Cresar CT 6.25, CTD-T 6.25/40, Eritel-CH 6.25, Tazloc-CT 6.25, Telista CH 40/6.25, Tellzy-CH 6.25, Telma-CT 40, Telmikind-CT 40/6.25, Telmiride-CH 40/6.25, Telpres CT 40/6.25, Telsar CH 40/6.25.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.