Chlorothiazide
Also known as: Diuril, Azide, Chlorzide, Chlotride, Diachlor, Diurigen, Pahtlisan, Saluric
* **Water Access:** Ensure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water unless specifically instructed otherwise by your veterinarian. * **Monitor for Dehydration/Imbalance:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of water or electrolyte imbalance, such as excessive thirst, severe lethargy, weakness, restlessness, reduced urination, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rapid heart rate. * **Administration:** Can be given with food if it causes stomach upset. * **Consistency:** Do not stop giving this medication abruptly without consulting your veterinarian, especially if it is being used to manage blood pressure or diabetes insipidus.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of diabetes insipidus
- As a diuretic
- General dosing for adult cattle
- General dosing
- Treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
- Treatment of systemic hypertension
- As a diuretic
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypokalemia
- Hypochloremic alkalosis
- Dilutional hyponatremia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypophosphatemia
- Hyperuricemia
- Gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Pancreatitis
- Hypersensitivity / dermatologic reactions
- Polyuria
- Hematologic toxicity
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperlipidemias
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to thiazides or sulfonamides
- Anuria
- Pregnancy in otherwise healthy females with only mild edema (relative contraindication)
- Use with **extreme caution** or avoid in patients with severe renal disease, preexisting electrolyte or water balance abnormalities, impaired hepatic function (may precipitate hepatic coma), hyperuricemia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients with conditions that may lead to fluid/electrolyte loss (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) very carefully.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk for severe hypokalemia
- Corticosteroids / Corticotropin: Increased risk for severe hypokalemia
- Diazoxide: Increased risk for hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypotension
- Digitalis / Digoxin: Thiazide-induced hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and/or hypercalcemia may increase the likelihood of digitalis toxicity
- Insulin: Thiazides may increase insulin requirements
- Lithium: Thiazides can increase serum lithium concentrations
- Methenamine: Thiazides can alkalinize urine and reduce methenamine effectiveness
- NSAIDs: May increase risk for renal toxicity; NSAIDs may reduce diuretic actions of thiazides
- Neuromuscular blocking agents: Response or duration of nondepolarizing agents (e.g., tubocurarine) may be increased
- Probenecid: Blocks thiazide-induced uric acid retention
- Quinidine: Half-life may be prolonged by thiazides due to urine alkalinization
Frequently asked questions
What is Chlorothiazide used for in pets?
* **Water Access:** Ensure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water unless specifically instructed otherwise by your veterinarian. * **Monitor for Dehydration/Imbalance:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of water or electrolyte imbalance, such as excessive thirst, severe lethargy, weakness, restlessness, reduced urination, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rapid heart rate. * **Administration:** Can be given with food if it causes stomach upset. * **Consistency:** Do not stop giving this medication abruptly without consulting your veterinarian, especially if it is being used to manage blood pressure or diabetes insipidus.
Is Chlorothiazide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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