PTCE Top 200 · #124

Chlorthalidone

Hygroton / Thalitone

Chlorthalidone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Hygroton. It is a thiazide-like diuretic used to treat hypertension, edema. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Chlorthalidone ranks #124 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameChlorthalidone
Brand name(s)Hygroton / Thalitone
Drug classThiazide-like diuretic
Class groupCardiovascular
Common usehypertension, edema
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Chlorthalidone used for?

Treatment of hypertension; management of edema due to heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, or corticosteroid/estrogen therapy.

What drug class is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is a Thiazide-like diuretic in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Chlorthalidone

Major interactions

Is Chlorthalidone a controlled substance?

No. Chlorthalidone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Chlorthalidone (PTCE mnemonic)

CHLOR-thalidone has CHLORonger action — more potent + longer than HCTZ (T½ ~40hr). ↓K+, ↓Na+, ↑uric acid (gout), photosensitivity; sulfa allergy.
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PTCE exam tip

Chlorthalidone is thiazide-LIKE — more potent and much longer-acting than HCTZ, with the same low-potassium watch.

Chlorthalidone FAQ

What is the brand name for Chlorthalidone?

The most common brand name for Chlorthalidone is Hygroton / Thalitone.

What is Chlorthalidone used for?

Chlorthalidone is used to treat hypertension, edema. Treatment of hypertension; management of edema due to heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, or corticosteroid/estrogen therapy.

What drug class is Chlorthalidone?

Chlorthalidone is a Thiazide-like diuretic (Cardiovascular group).

Is Chlorthalidone a controlled substance?

No. Chlorthalidone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group

Drill Chlorthalidone the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).