General Information and Indications:
Dyazide, combination of triamterene
and hydrochlorothiazide, is used to treat high blood pressure and
edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) in patients who
have lower amounts of potassium in their bodies or for whom low potassium
levels in the body could be dangerous. The combination of triamterene and
hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water
pills'). It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and sodium from
the body into the urine, but reduces the loss of potassium.
Information For Users:
The combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide
comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a
day. Take triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide at around the same time every
day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. Take triamterene and
hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
This medication controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue
taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not
discontinue taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide without informing
your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medicine may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide-derived medications
('sulfa drugs'), or any other medications.
o do not take triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide if you are taking
amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or other medications
containing triamterene.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention amphotericin B (Amphocin,
Fungizone); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as
benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril
(Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril,
(Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik);
anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); barbiturates
(phenobarbital); digoxin (Lanoxin); laxatives; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
medications for diabetes, gout, or high blood pressure; methenamine (Hiprex,
Urex); narcotic pain relievers; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); oral
steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol),
and prednisone (Deltasone); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need
to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side
effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding kidney stones, systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE, a chronic inflammatory condition), diabetes, gout, or
thyroid, heart, kidney, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not
breastfeed if you are taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. If you
become pregnant while taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide.
o plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Triamterene and
hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
o You should know that triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide may cause
dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a
lying position. This is more common when you first start taking triamterene
and hydrochlorothiazide and may be made worse by drinking alcohol. To avoid
this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a
few minutes before standing up.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide may cause
adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
o gas
o frequent urination
o dizziness
o headache
Some adverse effects could be serious. If you have any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o rash or hives (Urticaria)
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o pain in the upper stomach area
o swelling or tenderness of stomach area
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o fever
o rapid pulse
o extreme tiredness
o unusual bruising or bleeding
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o yellowing of skin or eyes
o flu-like symptoms
o muscle weakness or cramps
o feelings of numbness, tingling, pricking, burning, or creeping on the skin
o inability to move arms and legs
o slow or irregular heartbeat
o severe dry mouth
o severe thirst
o muscle pain or fatigue
o decreased urination
Brand Name(s):
o Dyazide®
o Maxzide®
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