About Diuril (chlorothiazide)
Diuril (chlorothiazide) is a type of diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It's also used to treat high blood pressure.
Diuril is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as chlorothiazide.
Diuril may be prescribed as an oral suspension or intravenous injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Diuril, be sure to complete the full course of the diuretic unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the diuretic may not fully treat your edema or high blood pressure.
Diuril uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Diuril, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe Diuril for any of the following reasons or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Edema
Diuril is FDA-approved to treat edema (fluid retention) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, and corticosteroid and estrogen therapy. It can also help treat edema associated with kidney disease, incuding renal dysfunction, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic renal failure.
Diuril is not recommended for edema during pregnancy, as it may cause fetal harm.High blood pressure
Diuril is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) alone. Diuril can help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
In patients taking other blood pressure medications, it can enhance the effectiveness of those antihypertensive drugs to treat more severe forms of high blood pressure.
Diuril side effects
The side effects associated with taking Diuril are typically mild. Most Diuril side effects are associated with dizziness.
Diuril has some common side effects. They may include:
Dizziness or spinning sensation
Numbness or tingling
Stomach and muscle cramps
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Dark-colored urine
Allergic reaction
Easily bruising or bleeding
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Diuril may be prescribed off-label to treat chronic lung disease in pediatric patients.
How to take Diuril
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Diuril prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Diuril can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The usual adult dosage is 500–1000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL) once or twice daily.
Shake the oral suspension before measuring a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device.
Diuril IV injection is given as an infusion. Your healthcare provider will administer the injection in a hospital setting if you cannot take the medication by mouth.
In diabetic patients, dosage adjustments of insulin may be required.
What to avoid while taking Diuril
Diuril has 419 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and drug therapy.
Possible drug interactions with Diuril include:
Other antihypertensive drugs
Cholestyramine or colestipol
Lithium
Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
Steroid medicine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Because alcohol can lower blood pressure, drinking alcohol while taking Diuril may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while on Diuril.
Medication alternatives to Diuril
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another diuretic therapy or blood pressure medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Edema
High blood pressure
Diuril prescription FAQs
How much does Diuril cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Diuril costs around $83 for 240 mL of oral suspension without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as chlorothiazide, can offer a more affordable alternative. Price varies with insurance coverage. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
How can I refill my Diuril prescription?
To refill your Diuril prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Does Diuril lower blood pressure?
Yes, Diuril helps lower blood pressure. It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing urination, which helps lower blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.
Does Diuril deplete potassium?
Yes, thiazide diuretic therapy, such as Diuril, tends to deplete the body of potassium. Your doctor may encourage you to eat potassium-rich foods to prevent an electrolyte imbalance.
Who should not take Diuril?
Avoid taking Diuril if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Allergic reaction to sulfa drugs
Inability to urinate
Tell your doctor if you've ever had:
Kidney disease
Liver disease or renal disease
Gout
Diabetes
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Cardiovascular disease
How long does it take Diuril to work?
Diuril starts working around two hours after your first dose, causing an increase in urination.
What happens if I miss a dose of Diuril?
If you miss a dose of Diuril, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Diuril?
If you've taken too much Diuril, call your doctor immediately or contact your local poison control center.
3 simple steps to request your Diuril prescription today

Step 1
Book a Diuril prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Diuril prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your Diuril prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Diuril prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Diuril prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Diuril prescription label. Accessed on September 19, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/011870s040lbl.pdf
Harvard Health. Tips for taking diuretic medications. Accessed on September 19, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/tips-for-taking-diuretic-medications#:~:text=Thiazide%20diuretics%2C%20such%20as%20chlorothiazide,tend%20to%20deplete%20potassium%20levels.
Mayo Clinic. Chlorothiazide (Oral Route). Accessed on September 19, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/chlorothiazide-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20071802