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Chlorothiazide

Prescription
Thiazide Diuretic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits Na+/Cl- cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing sodium and chloride reabsorption and promoting diuresis. Also causes mild vasodilation and reduces renal calcium excretion (useful in hypercalciuria).

At a glance

Class
Thiazide Diuretic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; oral suspension refrigerated after reconstitution

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for edema, mild CHF (adjunct to furosemide for diuretic resistance — sequen
Dose
20–40 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Used adjunctively with furosemide for diuretic resistance and for calcium oxalat
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; oral suspension refrigerated after reconstitution

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Serum electrolytes (K, Na, Cl, Ca)BUN/creatinineBlood glucoseBody weightBlood pressure

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Potassium Bromide
moderate
Thiazide diuretics increase renal bromide excretion via competitive chloride-bromide transport, reducing bromide levels.
Management: Monitor bromide levels when adding diuretics. Adjust bromide dose to maintain therapeutic range.

Brands

Other markets

Diuril

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Chlorothiazide?
Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic used in pets. Inhibits Na+/Cl- cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing sodium and chloride reabsorption and promoting diuresis. Also causes mild vasodilation and reduces renal calcium excretion (useful in hypercalciuria).
›What is Chlorothiazide used for in pets?
Chlorothiazide is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for edema, mild CHF (adjunct to furosemide for diuretic resistance — sequen; Used adjunctively with furosemide for diuretic resistance and for calcium oxalat.
›What is the Chlorothiazide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Chlorothiazide is typically dosed as follows — Used for edema, mild CHF (adjunct to furosemide for diuretic resistance — sequen: 20–40 mg/kg PO/IV q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Chlorothiazide dose for cats?
For cats, Chlorothiazide is typically dosed as follows — Used adjunctively with furosemide for diuretic resistance and for calcium oxalat: 10–20 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Chlorothiazide need a prescription?
Yes. Chlorothiazide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Thiazide Diuretic).

Hydrochlorothiazide
Rx
Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, promoting diuresis and reducing blood pressure
dogcat