Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
trye-AM-ter-een, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of two types of diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Diuretic, Potassium Sparing/Thiazide Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used alone or with other medicines to treat water retention (edema) or high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are both diuretic medicines (water pills). They reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure. Triamterene helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet. Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with amiloride, spironolactone, or other products containing triamterene.
Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using the following:
Digoxin, lithium, or methenamine An ACE inhibitor or other blood pressure medicine, a blood thinner (such as warfarin), chlorpropamide or other diabetes medicine, laxatives, an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, indomethacin), or steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone)Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, or a sulfa drug. Do not use this medicine if you are not able to urinate, or if you have severe kidney disease or high potassium levels.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, gout, lupus, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or a history of kidney stones.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems New or worsening lupus High or low levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium Glaucoma New or worsening goutThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Blurred vision, eye pain, changes in vision
Change in how much or how often you urinate, problems urinating, pain in your side or lower back
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Yellow skin or eyes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Dyazide, Maxzide, Maxzide-25
There may be other brand names for this medicine.