Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene

U.S. Brand Names

Dyazide®; Maxzide®; Maxzide®-25

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Triazide®; Novo-Triamzide; Nu-Triazide; Penta-Triamterene HCTZ; Riva-Zide

Mexican Brand Names

Dyazide

Pharmacologic Category

Antihypertensive Agent, Combination; Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing; Diuretic, Thiazide

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine is a strong water pill. Sometimes important elements (potassium) in the blood can be increased. The risk is greatest in people with diabetes, kidney disease, serious illness and/or in the elderly. Your healthcare provider will follow you closely to change the dose to match your body's needs.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have any of the following conditions: High potassium levels, kidney disease, or liver disease.

• If you are taking another water pill that prevents potassium loss.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.

How does it work?

• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowers blood pressure and gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.

• Triamterene prevents potassium loss.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.

• Take this medicine with food.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, this medicine may sometimes raise blood sugars. Talk with healthcare provider about how to adjust for this.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium supplements.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Watch for gout attacks.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Dry mouth.

• Low potassium level. Signs include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; constipation; vomiting; or fast heartbeat.

• High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs of low or high potassium.

• Unable to pass urine.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:03:29.0

Modified: 2008-02-08 15:02:24.0

Lexi-PALS^TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.