Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is chlorthalidone. It works to remove extra water and salt from your body. In fact, many people call it a 'water pill.' This medicine helps treat many conditions, such a high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease. 

You should take chlorthalidone exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is often taken one time daily in the morning with breakfast. You should ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink each day, and if you need to eat certain foods.

Some side effects can occur. You will urinate more often, especially shortly after a dose. And, you could feel a little dizzy. So, you should stand up slowly. Also, you should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine can cause low blood pressure. You should ask how to check your own blood pressure.

This medicine can cause high blood sugar. Patients with diabetes should ask how to manage this. 

Also, this medicine can cause your skin to be sensitive to sunlight. So, you should avoid sunlight, and protect your skin with clothing and sunscreen.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. With chlorthalidone, these include a rash, impotence, and fainting. You should tell your doctor right away if you notice these effects or other unusual changes. 

You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine, and before drinking alcohol.  

For best results, follow your doctor's orders for checking your blood pressure, and eating a special diet, if needed.