Q: Are there any dietary restrictions I should follow as I have high blood pressure?
Limit the intake of salt in your diet, especially pickles and packaged foods like chips contain excess salt and should be avoided.
Have less amount of potassium-containing foods like spinach, broccoli or banana.
Limit meat intake.
Instead of having packaged snacks, prefer fresh cut fruits as they are rich in vitamins and fibre.
Q: What is Chlorthalidone? Is it the same as Chlorothiazide?
A: Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill - increases the production of urine) like Hydrochlorothiazide but it is not a thiazide diuretic. Chlorthalidone is more potent and longer-acting compared to Chlorothiazide. Chlorthalidone is commonly used for the treatment of high blood pressure and oedema (fluid overload) associated with the heart, kidney or liver diseases or due to other medications.
Q: Is there anything else I need to know before taking Telma CT 40/12.5 mg tablet?
A: Serum electrolytes should be regularly monitored while on treatment with Telma CT 40/12.5 mg tablet because it may alter blood potassium, sodium and chloride levels. Renal function also needs to be monitored closely as this medicine can compromise the functioning of kidneys in some patients. This medicine should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
Q: Why do I experience frequent urination after taking Telma CT 40/12.5 mg tablet?
A: The excess fluid that builds up in the body gets eliminated via urine, thereby lowering your blood pressure and provide relief from oedema.
Q: Can I stop Telma CT 40/12.5 mg tablet if experience more side effects?
A: No, you should never stop any of the medication without consulting your doctor as it may lead to serious complications. Talk to your doctor about all the intolerable side effects, he can suggest some alternative medicine.