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diuril

Diuril (Chlorothiazide) is a thiazide diuretic used to treat Edema, Glomerulonephritis, Heart Failure, Hypertension.

Chlorothiazide · by Salix

Available as a generic: Chlorothiazide

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
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Key facts

Active ingredient
Chlorothiazide
Form
Suspension
Strength
Chlorothiazide 250MG/5ML
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Salix
FDA application
NDA011870
Availability
Discontinued (per FDA)

What is Diuril?

From the FDA label:DIURIL ® (chlorothiazide) is a diuretic and antihypertensive. It is 6-chloro-2 H -1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C 7 H 6 CIN 3 O 4 S 2 and its structural formula is: It is a white, or practically white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 295.72, which is very slightly soluble in water, but readily soluble in dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. It is soluble in urine to the extent of about 150 mg per 100 mL at pH 7. DIURIL Oral Suspension contains 250 mg of chlorothiazide per 5 mL, alcohol 0.4%, with methylparaben 0.1%, propylparaben 0.02%, and benzoic acid 0.1% added as preservatives. The inactive ingredients are D&C Yellow 10, flavors, glycerin, purified water, sodium saccharin, sucrose and tragacanth. Chemical Structure

How to use

Therapy should be individualized according to patient response. Use the smallest dosage necessary to achieve the required response. Adults For Edema The usual adult dosage is 500 mg to 1,000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL) once or twice a day. Many patients with edema respond to intermittent therapy, i.e., administration on alternate days or on three to five days each week. With an intermittent schedule, excessive response and the resulting undesirable electrolyte imbalance are less likely to occur. For Control of Hypertension The usual adult starting dosage is 500 mg or 1,000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL) a day as a single or divided dose. Dosage is increased or decreased according to blood pressure response. Rarely some patients may require up to 2,000 mg (40 mL) a day in divided doses. Infants and Children For Diuresis and For Control of Hypertension The usual pediatric dosage is 5 mg to 10 mg per pound (10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) per day in single or two divided doses, not to exceed 375 mg per day (2.5 mL to 7.5 mL or ½ to 1½ teaspoonfuls of the oral suspension daily) in infants up to 2 years of age or 1,000 mg per day in children 2 to 12 years of age. In infants less than 6 months of age, doses up to 15 mg per pound (30 mg/kg) per day in two divided doses may be required (see PRECAUTIONS , Pediatric Use ).

Side effects

The following adverse reactions have been reported and, within each category, are listed in order of decreasing severity: Body as a Whole: Weakness. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension (may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antihypertensive drugs). Digestive: Pancreatitis, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), diarrhea, vomiting, sialadenitis, cramping, constipation, gastric irritation, nausea, anorexia. Hematologic: Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia. Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactic reactions, necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis and cutaneous vasculitis), respiratory distress including pneumonitis and pulmonary edema, photosensitivity, fever, urticaria, rash, purpura. Metabolic: Electrolyte imbalance (see PRECAUTIONS ), hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hyperuricemia. Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasm. Nervous System/Psychiatric: Vertigo, paresthesias, dizziness, headache, restlessness. Renal: Renal failure, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis (see WARNINGS ). Skin: Erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis including toxic epidermal necrolysis, alopecia. Special Senses: Transient blurred vision, xanthopsia. Urogenital: Impotence. Whenever adverse reactions are moderate or severe, thiazide dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn. To report…

Warnings

Important safety information

Use with caution in severe renal disease. In patients with renal disease, thiazides may precipitate azotemia. Cumulative effects of the drug may develop in patients with impaired renal function. Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. Thiazides may add to or potentiate the action of other antihypertensive drugs. Sensitivity reactions may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma. The possibility of exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported. Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics (see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ).

Who should not take Diuril

Anuria. Hypersensitivity to this product or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs.

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

The most common signs and symptoms observed are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. If digitalis has also been administered, hypokalemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias. In the event of overdosage, symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed. Emesis should be induced or gastric lavage performed. Correct dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hepatic coma and hypotension by established procedures. If required, give oxygen or artificial respiration for respiratory impairment. The degree to which chlorothiazide sodium is removed by hemodialysis has not been established. The oral LD 50 of chlorothiazide is 8.5 g/kg, greater than 10 g/kg, and greater than 1 g/kg, in the mouse, rat and dog, respectively.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

When given concurrently the following drugs may interact with thiazide diuretics. Alcohol, Barbiturates, or Narcotics - potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur. Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Agents and Insulin) - dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required. Other Antihypertensive Drugs - additive effect or potentiation. Cholestyramine and Colestipol Resins - Both cholestyramine and colestipol resins have the potential of binding thiazide diuretics and reducing diuretic absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Corticosteroids, ACTH - intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia. Pressor Amines (e.g., Norepinephrine) - possible decreased response to pressor amines but not sufficient to preclude their use. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Nondepolarizing (e.g., Tubocurarine) - possible increased responsiveness to the muscle relaxant. Lithium - generally should not be given with diuretics. Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. Refer to the package insert for lithium preparations before use of such preparations with DIURIL. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors - In some patients, the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent including a selective COX-2 inhibitor can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics. Therefore, when DIURIL and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents or selective COX-2 inhibitors are used concomitantly, the patient should be observed closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained. In some patients with compromised renal function (e.g., elderly patients or patients who are volume-depleted, including those on diuretic therapy) who are being treated with NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, the co-administration of angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors may result in a further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. These interactions should be considered in patients taking NSAIDs including selective COX-2 inhibitors concomitantly with diuretics and angiotensin II antagonists or ACE inhibitors. Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

See how Diuril ranks — best-rated thiazide diuretic for:

Dosage forms

Suspension

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Diuril treat?
Diuril (Chlorothiazide) may be used to treat edema, glomerulonephritis, heart failure, hypertension, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Diuril?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Diuril. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Diuril?
Diuril is marketed by Salix. You can see Salix's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Diuril a brand-name or generic drug?
Diuril is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Chlorothiazide. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Chlorothiazide are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Diuril available over the counter?
No. Diuril is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Diuril come in?
Diuril is currently marketed as suspension, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Diuril?
Diuril is classified as thiazide diuretic, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Diuril FDA-registered?
Diuril is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA011870. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Diuril safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Diuril. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Diuril?
Diuril's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions have been reported and, within each category, are listed in order of decreasing severity: Body as a Whole: Weakness. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension (may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antihypertensive drugs).… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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