Chlortalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic used to treat hypertension and fluid retention in conditions like heart failure, kidney, or liver disorders. It works by blocking sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys, promoting urine output and reducing excess fluid. Developed in the late 1950s and introduced clinically in the early 1960s, chlortalidone was designed as a longer-acting, more potent alternative to earlier thiazides. Its long half-life allows once-daily dosing, making it a widely used and effective drug for managing high blood pressure and related cardiovascular conditions.