TRIAMTERENE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

TRIAMTERENE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide/try-AM-ter-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyazide, Maxzide

GENERIC NAME(S): triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide

Uses

USES: This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is a combination of two "water pills" (diuretics): triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination is used by people who have developed or are at risk for having low potassium levels on hydrochlorothiazide. It causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.


How to use TRIAMTERENE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning with or without food. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This product may cause your body to lose too much water and salt (dehydration). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, decrease in vision, eye pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, gout, high level of potassium in the blood, kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, lupus. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. This medication may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness, or high blood potassium levels. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if triamterene passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use and Precautions sections. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: dofetilide, lithium, other drugs that may increase potassium levels (such as spironolactone, amiloride, cyclosporine). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including parathyroid function), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

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Faq for TRIAMTERENE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication that contains two diuretics: triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. It is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema) in conditions such as congestive heart failure.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide works by increasing urine production (diuretic effect) and removing excess salt and water from the body. This helps to lower blood pressure and reduce edema.

Common side effects of Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide may include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, increased urination, and low potassium levels. It is important to notify your doctor if you experience any severe side effects.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. It may harm the unborn baby and cause serious complications. Consult a healthcare professional for safer alternatives.

It is not recommended to take Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby. Consult your doctor for alternative medications or options.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, digoxin, corticosteroids, certain blood pressure medications, and certain antidepressants. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Typically, it is taken orally with or without food once or twice a day. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for the correct dosage and duration.

If you miss a dose of Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide can increase urinary output and may cause dehydration if not enough fluids are taken. It is important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water while taking this medication.


Warning

WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. The risk for this is higher for people with diabetes or kidney disease, older adults, or during severe illness. High potassium levels can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.