Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE W/TRIAMTERENE - ORAL

(HI-dro-klor-oh-THIGH-uh-zide WITH try-AM-ter-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyazide, Maxzide

WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.

Uses

This drug is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure and to treat edema (fluid retention).

How To Use

Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose late in the day.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. Also avoid drinking alcohol which will aggravate these effects. This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness and drowsiness the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication increases sensitivity to the sun. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands and feet, easy bleeding or bruising, breathing difficulties, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: diabetes, liver or kidney problems, allergies (especially allergies to sulfa drugs). Thiazides can make you more prone to sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing if this drug makes you sun-sensitive. The use of alcohol can increase dizziness or lightheadedness. Ask your doctor about its use. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Thiazide diuretics appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: lithium, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril), indomethacin or other NSAIDs. If your medicine contains a thiazide and you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol-lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. If you are using this medicine for high blood pressure, avoid drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counteract the blood pressure effect. Decongestants are commonly found in over the counter cough and cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include flushed face, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

Notes

Diuretics can change the amount of potassium in your body. Potassium supplements should be used only when directed to do so by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.