chlorthalidone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UK/klɔːˈθælɪdəʊn/US/klɔːrˈθælɪdoʊn/

Technical/Medical

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Quick answer

What does “chlorthalidone” mean?

A thiazide-like diuretic medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A thiazide-like diuretic medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

A long-acting sulfonamide-derived drug that inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, promoting water excretion and reducing blood volume.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Prescription practices and brand names may vary slightly.

Connotations

Neutral medical term in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to medical professionals, pharmacists, and patients with specific conditions.

Grammar

How to Use “chlorthalidone” in a Sentence

The doctor prescribed [chlorthalidone] for hypertension.[Chlorthalidone] is often combined with other antihypertensives.Patients taking [chlorthalidone] should monitor their potassium.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
prescribe chlorthalidonetake chlorthalidonechlorthalidone therapychlorthalidone dosagehydrochlorothiazide vs chlorthalidone
medium
respond to chlorthalidoneswitch to chlorthalidonechlorthalidone side effectschlorthalidone tablet
weak
blood pressure chlorthalidonepatient on chlorthalidoneeffect of chlorthalidone

Examples

Examples of “chlorthalidone” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The chlorthalidone group showed a significant reduction in systolic pressure.
  • A chlorthalidone-based regimen is recommended.

American English

  • The chlorthalidone cohort had better outcomes.
  • She is on a chlorthalidone prescription.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used in general business contexts. May appear in pharmaceutical industry reports or marketing materials.

Academic

Used in medical, pharmacological, and clinical research papers discussing hypertension treatment, comparative drug efficacy, or renal physiology.

Everyday

Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing personal medical treatment with a healthcare provider.

Technical

The primary context. Used in patient records, clinical guidelines, pharmacology textbooks, drug formularies, and between healthcare professionals.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “chlorthalidone”

Strong

Hygroton (brand name)Thalitone (brand name)

Neutral

thiazide-like diureticantihypertensive agent

Weak

water pill (lay term for diuretics)blood pressure medication (hypernym)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “chlorthalidone”

sodium-retaining agentmineralocorticoid

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “chlorthalidone”

  • Misspelling as 'chlorothalidone', 'chlorthalidon', or 'clorthalidone'.
  • Mispronouncing the 'th' as in 'thin' instead of as in 'the'.
  • Using it as a general term for any diuretic.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are different drugs within the same general class. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic with a longer half-life and greater potency per milligram than hydrochlorothiazide, a true thiazide.

Common side effects include increased urination, dizziness, low blood potassium (hypokalemia), and, less commonly, increased blood sugar or gout flares.

It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters, as it may cross the placenta and pose risks to the foetus. A doctor must evaluate the benefits and risks.

Regular blood tests are needed to monitor electrolyte levels (especially potassium and sodium), kidney function, and blood glucose, as the drug can affect all of these.

A thiazide-like diuretic medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Chlorthalidone is usually technical/medical in register.

Chlorthalidone: in British English it is pronounced /klɔːˈθælɪdəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɔːrˈθælɪdoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'CHLOR' (like chloride, which it affects) + 'THALI' (sounds like 'tally' – to count/measure blood pressure) + 'DONE' (the job is done on hypertension).

Conceptual Metaphor

MEDICATION IS A TOOL (a tool for removing excess fluid and lowering pressure).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For patients with resistant hypertension, adding a low-dose to the existing regimen can be an effective strategy.
Multiple Choice

Chlorthalidone is primarily classified as what type of drug?