The Antihypertensive Effects of Chlorthalidone

Abstract

Chlorthalidone administered in a single daily dose (200 mg. per day) produced a significantly greater hypotensive effect than chlorothiazide (250 mg. t.i.d.) and a greater, but not significantly different, response than hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg. t.i.d.). Reserpine (0.1 to 0.5 mg. per day) significantly augmented the hypotensive effect of chlorthalidone, but chlorthalidone given alone produced an effect equal to the combination of a benzothiazide with reserpine. Side effects characteristic of sulfonamide diuretics of minimal degree, including hyperuricemia, accompany chlorthalidone administration. Presently, chlorthalidone, when individualization of dosage is observed, approaches an ideal sulfonamyl for the control of hypertension in relation to that of other members of this chemical series.