Skip to the answer

Chlorothiazide

Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) used to treat fluid retention (edema) from several causes and to lower high blood pressure.

Brand names DiurilChlotride
Drug class Thiazide Diuretic
Rx Forms 2
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 9 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

Chlorothiazide at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Chlorothiazide (Diuril) is an older thiazide water pill, on the market since about 1958 and available as a generic, that makes the kidneys flush out extra salt and water. It treats fluid buildup (edema) from heart failure, cirrhosis or kidney disease and, as the oral liquid, high blood pressure. Most people tolerate it well, and what they notice is more frequent urination plus some lightheadedness when standing up quickly. The thing to watch is low potassium and other electrolyte shifts, so report severe muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat, and expect regular blood tests of electrolytes and kidney function.

Clinical pearls

  • Avoid combining it with lithium, because chlorothiazide slows how the kidneys clear lithium and can push it to toxic levels.
  • Regular use of ibuprofen, naproxen or celecoxib can blunt its fluid and blood pressure effects, so check before using them for pain.
  • It can raise blood sugar and uric acid, so people with diabetes or gout should watch for higher readings or flares.
  • Mention any sulfa allergy before starting, since chlorothiazide is a sulfonamide-derived drug.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asInjection, Oral suspension
Earliest FDA record1958
Companies listing it with the FDA6
FDA label last updatedMar 20, 2025
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Chlorothiazide, written from its FDA label.

What Chlorothiazide is used for

▾

Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic approved across several products and routes for the conditions listed below.

  • Edema (fluid buildup) linked to heart failure
  • Edema linked to liver cirrhosis (hepatic cirrhosis)
  • Edema caused by corticosteroid or estrogen therapy
  • Edema from kidney disorders: nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, or chronic renal failure
  • High blood pressure — this use is specific to Diuril oral suspension, used alone or with other blood pressure medications; the intravenous forms are not approved for blood pressure management
  • Edema during pregnancy when caused by a pathologic (medical) condition — not for routine use in normal pregnancy

How Chlorothiazide works

▾

Chlorothiazide acts on the distal tubule — a section of the kidney's filtering system — where it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and chloride back into the bloodstream. This pulls more water out with the salt, increasing urine output and reducing excess fluid in the body. For high blood pressure, the exact mechanism isn't fully known, but reducing fluid volume appears to contribute to the pressure-lowering effect.

Notably, chlorothiazide does not usually lower blood pressure in people who already have normal blood pressure — its effect is most pronounced when pressure is elevated.

Chlorothiazide dosage

▾

Dosing is always individualized — your prescriber will use the smallest amount that achieves the desired effect and adjust based on your response.

  • Diuril oral suspension: taken by mouth once or twice daily; adults with edema or high blood pressure may also be placed on an every-other-day or a few-days-per-week schedule to limit electrolyte loss. Pediatric doses are weight-based and age-specific.
  • Intravenous forms (Chlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide Sodium, Sodium Diuril): given once or twice daily by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting; reserved for patients who cannot take oral medication or in emergencies. IV use in infants and children is generally not recommended.

If you miss a dose of the oral suspension, follow your prescriber's or pharmacist's guidance — do not double up without being told to.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Chlorothiazide prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Intravenous chlorothiazide sodium, adults (patients unable to take oral medication or emergency situations)
    • 500 mg to 1 g once or twice a day, given slowly by direct intravenous injection or by intravenous infusion
    • Many patients with edema respond to intermittent therapy, i.e., administration on alternate days or on three to five days each week
    • Intravenous use in infants and children has been limited and is not generally recommended; use the smallest dosage necessary
  • Oral suspension, adults: For Edema
    • 500 mg to 1,000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL) once or twice a day
    • Many patients respond to intermittent therapy, i.e., administration on alternate days or on three to five days each week
    • Use the smallest dosage necessary to achieve the required response
  • Oral suspension, adults: For Control of Hypertension
    • Usual starting dosage is 500 mg or 1,000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL) a day as a single or divided dose
    • Dosage is increased or decreased according to blood pressure response
    • Maximum: Rarely some patients may require up to 2,000 mg (40 mL) a day in divided doses
  • Oral suspension, infants and children: For Diuresis and For Control of Hypertension
    • 5 mg to 10 mg per pound (10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) per day in single or two divided doses
    • Maximum: Not to exceed 375 mg per day (2.5 mL to 7.5 mL or ½ to 1½ teaspoonfuls of the oral suspension daily) in infants up to 2 years of age or 1,000 mg per day in children 2 to 12 years of age
    • In infants less than 6 months of age, doses up to 15 mg per pound (30 mg/kg) per day in two divided doses may be required
Read the label’s full dosing text

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Chlorothiazide sodium for injection should be reserved for patients unable to take oral medication or for emergency situations. Therapy should be individualized according to patient response. Use the smallest dosage necessary to achieve the required response. Intravenous use in infants and children has been limited and is not generally recommended. When medication can be taken orally, therapy with chlorothiazide tablets or oral suspension may be substituted for intravenous therapy, using the same dosage schedule as for the parenteral route. Chlorothiazide sodium for injection may be given slowly by direct intravenous injection or by intravenous infusion. Extravasation must be rigidly avoided. Do not give subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The usual adult dosage is 500 mg to 1 g once or twice a day. Many patients with edema respond to intermittent therapy, i.e., administration on alternate days or on three to five days each week. With an intermittent schedule, excessive response and the resulting undesirable electrolyte imbalance are less likely to occur. Directions for Reconstitution Use aseptic technique. Because chlorothiazide sodium for injection contains no preservative, a fresh solution should be prepared immediately prior to each administration, and the unused portion should be discarded. Add 18 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to the vial to form an isotonic solution for intravenous injection. Never add less than 18 mL. When reconstituted with 18 mL of Sterile Water, the final concentration of intravenous chlorothiazide sodium is 28 mg/mL. The reconstituted solution is clear and essentially free from visible particles. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use whenever solution and container permit. The solution is compatible with dextrose or sodium chloride solutions for intravenous infusion. Avoid simultaneous administration of solutions of chlorothiazide with whole blood or its derivatives.

Directions for Reconstitution Use aseptic technique. Because chlorothiazide sodium for injection contains no preservative, a fresh solution should be prepared immediately prior to each administration, and the unused portion should be discarded. Add 18 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to the vial to form an isotonic solution for intravenous injection.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Chlorothiazide side effects

▾

Like all medicines, chlorothiazide can cause side effects — some mild, others requiring prompt attention.

Common side effects

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramping
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Blurred vision (usually temporary)
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Headache or restlessness
  • Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, sodium, or chloride)
  • Elevated blood sugar or uric acid levels

When to get medical help

  • Signs of low electrolytes — severe muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or unusual fatigue: call your doctor
  • Signs of an allergic reaction — difficulty breathing, severe rash, hives, or swelling: get emergency help
  • Signs of kidney problems — little or no urination, swelling, or blood in urine (more common with IV use): seek care promptly
  • Signs of liver problems — yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice): contact your doctor
  • Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or widespread rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis): get emergency help
  • Signs of lithium toxicity if taking lithium — tremor, confusion, vomiting: seek immediate care

Serious reactions — including severe allergic responses, dangerous skin conditions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood disorders, kidney failure, or jaundice — require immediate medical attention. If side effects are moderate to severe, contact your prescriber; a dose reduction or change in therapy may be needed.

Chlorothiazide warnings and precautions

▾
  • Kidney disease: Chlorothiazide can accumulate and worsen kidney function; it may cause azotemia (dangerous waste buildup in the blood) and should be used with caution.
  • Liver disease: Even small electrolyte shifts can trigger hepatic coma in people with liver disease or progressive liver conditions.
  • Electrolyte imbalances: Low potassium (hypokalemia) is the most common concern; it can cause muscle problems and, if you also take digoxin, raise the risk of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
  • Lupus: Chlorothiazide may activate or worsen systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Allergic reactions: Sensitivity reactions can occur even without a prior allergy or asthma history, including serious vasculitis and breathing difficulties.
  • Lithium: Combining chlorothiazide with lithium is generally not recommended — chlorothiazide reduces how fast lithium is cleared by the kidneys, raising the risk of lithium toxicity.
  • Pregnancy: Routine use during normal pregnancy is not appropriate and may harm the mother and fetus. Only use when edema has a true medical (pathologic) cause.

Chlorothiazide interactions

▾

Chlorothiazide can interact with a number of commonly used medications and substances — always share your full medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist.

  • Alcohol, sedatives (barbiturates), opioids: Increase the risk of dizziness and falls when standing up.
  • Other blood pressure medications: Combined blood pressure-lowering effect can be too strong — may need dose adjustments.
  • Diabetes medications (insulin or oral agents): Chlorothiazide can raise blood sugar, possibly requiring antidiabetic dose changes.
  • Lithium: Chlorothiazide slows lithium clearance by the kidneys, significantly raising the risk of lithium toxicity — generally avoid this combination.
  • NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib): Can weaken chlorothiazide's diuretic and blood pressure effects; in people with kidney problems or older adults, this combination may cause acute kidney failure.
  • Cholestyramine or colestipol resins: Can bind chlorothiazide in the gut and reduce how much is absorbed into the body.
  • Corticosteroids or ACTH: Worsen potassium loss when used alongside chlorothiazide.
  • Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., tubocurarine): Chlorothiazide may increase their muscle-relaxing effect.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Chlorothiazide prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Alcohol, Barbiturates, or Narcotics: Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur.
  • Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Agents and Insulin): Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required. Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required.
  • Other Antihypertensive Drugs: Additive effect or potentiation.
  • Cholestyramine and Colestipol Resins: Both resins have the potential of binding thiazide diuretics and reducing diuretic absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Corticosteroids, ACTH: Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia.
  • Pressor Amines (e.g., Norepinephrine): Possible decreased response to pressor amines but not sufficient to preclude their use.
  • Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Nondepolarizing (e.g., Tubocurarine): Possible increased responsiveness to the muscle relaxant.
  • Lithium: Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. Generally should not be given with diuretics; refer to the package insert for lithium preparations before use with DIURIL.
  • Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) including selective COX-2 inhibitors: In some patients, NSAIDs can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics. When used concomitantly, observe the patient closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained.
  • Angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors (with NSAIDs, in patients with compromised renal function): Co-administration may result in a further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure; these effects are usually reversible. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly.
Read the label’s full interactions text

Drug Interactions When given concurrently the following drugs may interact with thiazide diuretics. Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics - potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur. Antidiabetic drugs - (oral agents and insulin) - dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required. Other antihypertensive drugs - additive effect or potentiation. Corticosteroids, ACTH - intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia. Pressor amines (e.g., norepinephrine) - possible decreased response to pressor amines but not sufficient to preclude their use. Skeletal muscle relaxants, nondepolarizing (e.g., tubocurarine) - possible increased responsiveness to the muscle relaxant. Lithium - generally should not be given with diuretics. Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. Refer to the package insert for lithium preparations before use of such preparations with chlorothiazide sodium for injection. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs - In some patients, the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics. Therefore, when chlorothiazide sodium for injection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used concomitantly, the patient should be observed closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained.

Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿227 supplements and herbs with documented Chlorothiazide interactions, ranked by severity Check Chlorothiazide against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Chlorothiazide

▾
  • Kidney disease: Tell your doctor — chlorothiazide can worsen kidney function and cause waste buildup in the blood.
  • Liver disease: Tell your doctor — small fluid shifts can be dangerous; hepatic coma is a risk.
  • Sulfonamide allergy: Chlorothiazide is sulfonamide-derived; do not take it if you are hypersensitive to sulfonamide drugs or any component of the product.
  • Anuria (no urine output): Chlorothiazide is contraindicated if your kidneys are not producing urine.
  • Lupus: Tell your doctor — chlorothiazide may trigger or worsen systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Allergy or asthma history: Sensitivity reactions can still occur — inform your prescriber.
  • Pregnancy: Not for routine use in normal pregnancy; only appropriate when edema is caused by a true medical condition. Discuss with your doctor.
  • Breastfeeding: Chlorothiazide passes into breast milk — talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.
  • Children: Intravenous use in infants and children is limited and generally not recommended. Oral suspension dosing is age- and weight-specific.

Chlorothiazide overdose

▾

Taking too much chlorothiazide is most likely to cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances — particularly low potassium, sodium, and chloride — which can lead to muscle problems or heart rhythm issues, especially if you also take digoxin. Treatment focuses on correcting dehydration and electrolyte levels and providing supportive care; in some cases, gastric decontamination may be performed.

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What Chlorothiazide does in the body

▾

Chlorothiazide increases the amount of sodium and chloride the kidneys flush out through urine, in roughly equal amounts. This increased salt excretion pulls more water out with it, reducing excess fluid in the body. Some loss of potassium and bicarbonate also occurs. The drug does not usually affect blood pressure in people with normal levels — its pressure-lowering action appears most in people with elevated blood pressure.

How your body processes Chlorothiazide

▾

After oral use, chlorothiazide begins working within about 2 hours, peaks around 4 hours, and the effect lasts roughly 6 to 12 hours. When given intravenously, the diuretic effect starts within 15 minutes and peaks at around 30 minutes.

Chlorothiazide is not broken down (metabolized) by the body — it is cleared almost entirely unchanged by the kidneys, with about 96% of an IV dose excreted in the urine within 23 hours. Its half-life (the time for the body to clear half the drug) is 45 to 120 minutes. The drug crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, but does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

How to store Chlorothiazide

▾

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

227

Supplements & herbs that interact with Chlorothiazide

227 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Chlorothiazide in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 10
  • Moderate · 192
  • Minor · 25
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major AMERICAN HELLEBORE Major AMERICAN MISTLETOE Major ASARABACCA Major DOLOMITE Major LITHIUM Major OLEANDER Major SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR Major +219 more
Every supplement checked against Chlorothiazide — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 10 major · 192 moderate · 25 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Chlorothiazide against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

8

Nutrient depletion considerations

Chlorothiazide has been associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 2
  • Moderate · 3
  • Unrated · 3
POTASSIUM Major Depletion VITAMIN C Insignificant Depletion MAGNESIUM Moderate Depletion THIAMINE Moderate Depletion ZINC Moderate Depletion COENZYME Q10 Insufficient Evidence FOLIC ACID Insufficient Evidence SODIUM Insufficient Evidence
See the full Chlorothiazide nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Chlorothiazide: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Chlorothiazide — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What exactly is chlorothiazide supposed to do for me?

▾
It's a water pill — it helps your kidneys flush out extra salt and fluid that's building up in your body. Depending on the form you're taking, it treats fluid retention (edema) from conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. The oral liquid form, Diuril, can also lower high blood pressure. Think of it as helping your body get rid of excess fluid that's causing swelling or putting strain on your system.

How and when should I take the oral suspension (liquid)?

▾
You'll take it by mouth, usually once or twice a day. Your doctor might also put you on an every-other-day or a few-days-per-week schedule — that actually helps prevent your electrolytes (minerals like potassium) from getting too low. Always use the smallest dose that works for you, and stick closely to your prescriber's schedule. Shake the bottle well and measure carefully.

What side effects should I expect, and which ones should make me call my doctor?

▾
The most common things you might notice are dizziness when you stand up quickly, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache — these are usually manageable. More important to watch for are signs of low electrolytes: severe weakness, an irregular heartbeat, or extreme fatigue. Also call your doctor right away if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, significant skin reactions like blistering or peeling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction like hives or swelling. Serious side effects aren't common, but they do happen.

Are there any medications I really can't take with this?

▾
The biggest one is lithium — chlorothiazide slows down how fast your kidneys clear lithium from your body, which can push lithium to toxic levels. That combination is generally avoided. You also need to be careful with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, because they can reduce how well chlorothiazide works and, in some people, harm kidney function. Other blood pressure medications can add to chlorothiazide's effect and lower pressure too much. Always give your pharmacist and doctor a full list of everything you're taking, including over-the-counter medicines.

Is it safe to take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

▾
This is an important conversation to have with your doctor. Chlorothiazide is not meant for routine use during a normal pregnancy — it doesn't prevent complications and can expose both you and your baby to unnecessary risk. It may be appropriate if you have a specific medical condition causing fluid buildup, but that's a decision for your care team. It also passes into breast milk, so if you're breastfeeding, let your doctor know so you can weigh the risks together.

Will this affect my blood sugar or any of my other lab values?

▾
Yes, it can. Chlorothiazide can raise your blood sugar levels, which matters especially if you have or are at risk for diabetes — your diabetes medication may need adjusting. It can also raise uric acid levels, which is relevant if you have gout. And it can lower your potassium, sodium, and chloride over time, which is why your doctor may periodically check your blood work while you're on it. These effects are manageable with monitoring and, when needed, supplementation or dose changes.

Is Chlorothiazide available over the counter?

▾
No. Chlorothiazide is a prescription medicine: every Chlorothiazide product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Chlorothiazide first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Chlorothiazide is from 1958: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Chlorothiazide was first used.

Who makes Chlorothiazide?

▾
6 companies currently list Chlorothiazide products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including American Regent, Inc., Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, Gland Pharma Limited. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Chlorothiazide on HelloPharmacist

📊Chlorothiazide supplement interactions227 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerChlorothiazide vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Chlorothiazide NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Chlorothiazide Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Chlorothiazide forms and strengths (how it comes)

Chlorothiazide is available in 2 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Injection

Into a vein
Brands Sodium Diuril
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Sodium Diuril (intravenous) is used to treat edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and corticosteroid or estrogen therapy
  • Chlorothiazide Sodium for Injection is used to treat edema from kidney disorders such as nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic renal failure
  • Chlorothiazide sodium for injection is reserved for patients who cannot take oral medication or in emergency situations
Important instructions
  • Sodium Diuril injection is given slowly by direct IV injection or IV infusion — never injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into muscle
  • Chlorothiazide Sodium for Injection must be reconstituted fresh before each use and any unused portion discarded; it contains no preservative
  • Chlorothiazide sodium for injection: the solution must be inspected for particles or discoloration before use, and leaking outside the vein (extravasation) must be strictly avoided
  • IV use in infants and children is limited and generally not recommended for any of these injection products
Available strengths 1 strength
500 mg/18 mL
17 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral suspension

By mouth
Brands Diuril
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Diuril oral suspension is used to reduce edema from heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and corticosteroid or estrogen therapy
  • Diuril oral suspension is used to treat edema from kidney disorders including nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic renal failure
  • Diuril oral suspension is used to manage high blood pressure, alone or with other blood pressure medications
Important instructions
  • Diuril oral suspension is taken by mouth once or twice a day; your prescriber may schedule it on alternate days or a few days per week to reduce electrolyte imbalance
  • Diuril oral suspension dosing in children is based on weight and age — follow your prescriber's exact instructions
  • Diuril oral suspension: use the smallest effective dose, as directed by your prescriber, and have your response monitored regularly
Available strengths 1 strength
250 mg/5 mL
3 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Chlorothiazide on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Chlorothiazide appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

6 companies list 6 Chlorothiazide product records with the FDA, mostly as injection, oral suspension; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1958. Brand names on the directory include Diuril, Chlotride; the rest are generics.

2
Dose forms ⓘ
6
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
3
Brand names
6
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1958
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (6) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

American Regent, Inc.17%
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC17%
Gland Pharma Limited17%
Sagent Pharmaceuticals17%
Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc17%
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.17%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Chlorothiazide is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Chlorothiazide is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Chlorothiazide is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

11,327
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$416,260 gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Chlorothiazide prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Chlorothiazide ranks #910 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 43% of them.

Where Chlorothiazide ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #910 of 1,601
#905 Sulfacetamide Ophthalm... 11,572 Rx #906 Bempedoic Acid 11,416 Rx #907 Acetaminophen / Aspiri... 11,352 Rx #908 Acetaminophen / Aspiri... 11,352 Rx #909 Insulin Detemir (rDNA... 11,349 Rx #910 Chlorothiazide 11,327 Rx #911 Magnesium Chloride / P... 11,275 Rx #912 Deferasirox 11,233 Rx #913 Tavaborole Topical 11,126 Rx #914 Eltrombopag 11,114 Rx #915 Palbociclib 11,110 Rx

Utilization by Chlorothiazide product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 50 mg/mL oral suspension is the most-dispensed Chlorothiazide product — about 99% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

chlorothiazide 50 MG/ML Oral Suspension Most dispensed

11,254 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 99% of Chlorothiazide prescriptions shown $413,157 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $37 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309198

chlorothiazide 500 MG Injection

73 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Chlorothiazide prescriptions shown $3,103 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $43 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 484152

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Chlorothiazide, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 3 of 11 listed Chlorothiazide NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Chlorothiazide products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Chlorothiazide — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Injection
500 mg/18 mL Intravenous American Regent, Inc. ANDA View NDC →
500 mg/18 mL Intravenous Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC ANDA View NDC →
500 mg/18 mL Intravenous Gland Pharma Limited ANDA View NDC →
500 mg/18 mL Intravenous Sagent Pharmaceuticals ANDA View NDC →
500 mg/18 mL Intravenous Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. ANDA View NDC →
💊Oral suspension
250 mg/5 mL Oral Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc NDA View NDC →

Showing 6 of 6 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 6 Chlorothiazide NDCs →

Chlorothiazide recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Chlorothiazide recalls since July 2021.

✅No Chlorothiazide recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Chlorothiazide RxCUI 2396 3 dose forms · 4 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Injection RxCUI 1731061 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 500 MG RxCUI 484152
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 371409 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 50 MG/ML RxCUI 309198
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 371410 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 250 MG RxCUI 197475 500 MG RxCUI 197476

Look up RxCUI 2396 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Chlorothiazide costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Feb 21, 2024). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Suspension · Oral 250 mg/5 mL $0.277 per mL NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Chlorothiazide brand names

Chlorothiazide is sold under 2 brand names in the FDA directory — Diuril, Chlotride. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Diuril Chlotride

Who makes Chlorothiazide: manufacturers and labelers

6 companies list Chlorothiazide products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are American Regent, Inc., Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, Gland Pharma Limited. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

American Regent, Inc. 1 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 1 Gland Pharma Limited 1 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 1 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc 1 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. 1

Chlorothiazide drug class (RxNorm)

Chlorothiazide belongs to the Thiazide Diuretic class.

Pharmacologic class Thiazide Diuretic
Drug family (ATC) Thiazides, plain

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Chlorothiazide page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Mar 20, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Chlorothiazide.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Chlorothiazide after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
9
Finished products in the current FDA directory
6
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
6
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
6
Linked representative label ⓘ
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
Linked label effective
Mar 20, 2025
Composite sections available
17
Linked SPL Set ID
de512e9b-444c-4ae4-8c6b-accd87a02021
Linked SPL Document ID
93a228ba-a76b-43ad-9fed-2ea03a10515d
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →