ATC code: C03BA04
The effect of chlorthalidone regarding reduction of blood pressure, morbidity and mortality has been shown to be similar in men and women.
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the pharmacokinetics or dosing of chlorthalidone have been found.
A subgroup analysis of the large ALLHAT study (17 719 men, 15 638 women) showed similar mortality and morbidity rates in men and women taking chlorthalidone [1].
Results from the SHEP Pilot Study (248 men, 303 women) showed that blood pressure response to chlorthalidone 25-50 mg/day was similar in men and women [2].
In a Canadian study comparing effectiveness and safety of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in older hypertensive adults (4 224 men and 6 160 women on chlorthalidone; 7 984 men and 11 505 women on hydrochlorothiazide), no significant sex difference in incidence rate of events per 100 person-years was observed [3].
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
The effects of long-term chlorthalidone use on bone-related biochemical variables in elderly patients who had participated in the SHEP program were studied (36 men, 30 women). In both men and women, chlorthalidone use was associated with a decreased serum iPTH (immunoreactive parathyroid hormone) and serum osteocalcin. Vitamin D (measured as 25OHD) levels were lower in women than in men, but were not affected by actual drug therapy [5].
Updated: 2020-08-28
Date of litterature search: 2019-03-11
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson