Name: Chlorothiazide
Chemical Formula: C7H6ClN3O4S2
Other Names: Diuril, 6-chloro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide
Purpose: Used as a diuretic and antihypertensive medication
Physical State: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Common Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Health Risks: May cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory tract irritation if inhaled as dust
Acute Effects: Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could lead to allergic sensitization and kidney or liver injury in rare cases
Environmental Risks: Harmful to aquatic organisms
OSHA Hazards: Not classified as a hazardous material by OSHA under normal laboratory use, but powdered form can pose dust inhalation risks
Main Component: Chlorothiazide (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number: 58-94-6
Purity: Commonly above 98% in pharmacy preparations; impurities may include unreacted intermediates or degradation products at very low levels
In Case of Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, support breathing as needed
If Ingested: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical advice if large amounts are swallowed
For Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water
For Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Symptoms to Watch: Irritation of respiratory passages, nausea, vomiting, headache
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Specific Hazards: Emits hazardous fumes such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen chloride, and possible carbon monoxide under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Personal Observations: Chlorothiazide rarely fuels large fires because it is not especially flammable, but the breakdown products can cause irritation so good ventilation and respiratory protection matter
Personal Precautions: Put on protective gloves, avoid raising dust, ventilate area
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up material carefully to minimize dust, place in a closed container for proper disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains or waterways, as runoff might harm aquatic life
Decontamination: Wash area with water after picking up visible dust
My Experience: Working in a pharmacy, good technique goes a long way: wet wiping after a spill keeps dust and residue under control more than dry sweeping
Safe Handling: Avoid dust generation, minimize direct contact with powder, use in well-ventilated areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, eye protection, and dust mask when handling bulk quantities
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly sealed containers, away from light and moisture
Temperature: Store at room temperature, keep away from strong oxidizing agents
Personal Note: Labeling is key. Every container, even if you know what’s inside, needs a clear label — confusion over white powders can lead to mistakes
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for Chlorothiazide
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or fume hood if handling large amounts
Protection: Safety goggles, gloves, and lab coat are the basics; dust mask or respirator for fine powders
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink around the material
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Melting Point: Around 350°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Molecular Weight: 295.73 g/mol
pH: Slightly acidic (in aqueous solution)
Other Properties: Not especially volatile, chemically stable under normal conditions, will not self-ignite
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Decomposition: Can give off toxic gases like sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides during combustion
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents can cause unwanted reactions
Reactivity: Does not react with air or water at room conditions; only decomposes at high temperatures or with strong chemicals
Possible Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic in small amounts typically encountered during medical use; large quantities can cause metabolic disturbances
Chronic Effects: Allergic skin reactions and rare kidney effects with repeated contact, especially in sensitized individuals
Symptoms from Overexposure: Headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset
Notable Fact: As with many medications, toxicity becomes more of a concern for those working with bulk substances rather than prescribed tablets
Environmental Fate: Breaks down slowly in soil and water, persistence linked to limited biodegradability
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms at higher concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Not significantly bioaccumulative, but caution applies to wastewater from manufacturing or large-scale use
Personal Perspective: Environmental hazard doesn’t make headlines with small spills, but pharmaceutical runoff is a real issue — it adds up with time and scale
Preferred Method: Dispose of unused material through an authorized pharmaceutical waste handler
Do Not: Do not flush into drains or general waste
Special Guidance: Follow institutional or local regulations for pharmaceutical disposal
Personal Reminder: Flushing drugs down the sink or tossing them with regular trash only adds to environmental load; safe disposal matters for everyone downstream
UN Classification: Not regulated as a hazardous material for ground, air, or sea transport in typical quantities
Packing: Use leak-proof, labeled containers; prevent spillage
Special Notes: Bulk amounts from manufacturing or distribution require secure packaging but do not need special permits under most jurisdictions
U.S. Status: Approved active pharmaceutical ingredient, subject to FDA oversight for medical use
Workplace Regulations: No specific OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH exposure limits
Environmental Regulations: Minimal specific regulation for small quantities, local environmental agencies may have additional requirements for bulk waste
Global Listings: Compliant with pharmaceutical safety standards in most regions, including European Union and Canada