Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene

What is Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide (water pill). Triamterene is a diuretic that is potassium-sparing.Combination medicine Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene treat fluid retention( edema) and hypertension.Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are given to patients who have suffered from hypokalemia due to other diuretics.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide.

Side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience:

• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
• Heart rate can be fast, slow, or uneven.
• If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of liver or pancreas disease: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, dark urine, or jaundice.
• High potassium level: nausea or weakness, tingling sensation, feeling tired or weak, slow heartbeats, and loss of mobility;
• Low potassium level: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
• Kidney problems: little or no urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, and feeling tired or breathless;
• Joint pain or similar symptoms such as muscle or lupus, chest pain, or a rash that gets worse in the sun;
• Other signs of electrolyte balance include thirst, dryness in the mouth, and stomach pain.

Some of the common side effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide or triamterene include:

• Constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain are all symptoms of constipation.
• Dizziness, headache;
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA and reporting side effects is easy by calling them at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and spironolactone

Warnings

If you have kidney disease, problems with urination, or high potassium levels in your blood, and if you take other diuretics that are similar to triamterene, then it is not recommended for use.This medication can cause dangerously high potassium levels in your blood, especially if it is taken by someone with kidney disease, diabetes, or a severe illness. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: nausea or tingling, feeling tired or weak, slow heartbeats, or loss of mobility.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide, or:

• You have kidney disease, or you are unable to urinate.
• You have hyperkalemia (high potassium).
• You are taking diuretics that are similar to triamterene, such as amiloride and spironolactone.
• You are taking potassium supplements unless your doctor says otherwise.

Triamterene, a diuretic, can cause dangerously high potassium levels in your blood. It is more common if you suffer from kidney disease, diabetes, or a severe illness. Your doctor can tell you about your personal risk.

Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• Diabetes;
• Cirrhosis, or other liver diseases.
• Heart rhythm disorder;
• Gout;
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• An allergy to drugs containing sulfa, penicillin, or
• Kidney stone
• If you're on a diet low in salt,

This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.The use of this medicine by those under 18 is not recommended.

How to take Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Usually, triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are taken only once a day.You may require frequent medical tests. Tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide triamterene, even if there are no symptoms.You may need to have your heart function checked with an ECG or electrocardiograph (also called an EKG).Potassium levels can be affected by severe illness. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, serious illness, or injury, call your doctor.Tell your doctor if you are currently taking this medication. It may be necessary to temporarily stop using the medicine.Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for edema:

Orally, take hydrochlorothiazide between 25 and 50 mg. Triamterene between 37.5 and 100 mg
Comments:
Patients who become hypokalemic after taking 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide can be switched to hydrochlorothiazide 75 mg and triamterene 50 mg orally. Patients who become hyperkalemic after taking 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide can be switched to hydrochlorothiazide 37.5 mg and triamterene 25 mg.
Patients who cannot risk hypokalemia can be started on hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene orally, once daily.
Uses:
Treatment of hypertension and edema when hydrochlorothiazide is not enough to treat hypokalemia
Initial treatment of hypertension, edema, or both for patients who cannot risk hypokalemia (e.g., patients taking digitalis or having a history of cardiac arrhythmias)

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Orally, take hydrochlorothiazide between 25 and 50 mg. Triamterene between 37.5 and 100 mg
Comments:
Patients who become hypokalemic after taking 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide can be switched to hydrochlorothiazide 75 mg and triamterene 50 mg orally. Patients who become hyperkalemic after taking 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide can be switched to hydrochlorothiazide 37.5 mg and triamterene 25 mg.
Patients who cannot risk hypokalemia can be started on hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene orally, once daily.
Uses:
Treatment of hypertension and edema when hydrochlorothiazide is not enough to treat hypokalemia
Initial treatment of hypertension, edema, or both for patients who cannot risk hypokalemia (e.g., patients taking digitalis or having a history of cardiac arrhythmias)

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect or have consumed poison and require immediate medical treatment.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and weakness. They may also include a fever, a flushed face, or a feeling of warmth.

What should be avoided?

Use potassium supplements, sodium substitutes, or low-sodium dairy products only if your doctor says so.Avoid eating a lot of salt. Salt can cause the body to retain more water, which will make triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide less effective.The use of hydrochlorothiazide can increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. You may be asked to undergo regular skin checks by your doctor.Drink enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink. Drinking too much liquid is as dangerous as not drinking enough.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. Your ability to respond appropriately may be impaired.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of any other medications taken, such as:

• Any other blood pressure medication;
• Amphotericin B;
• Chlorpropamide;
• Digoxin;
• Laxatives;
• Lithium;
• Methenamine;
• A blood thinner
• Oral diabetes medicine;
• Steroid medications ( prednisone and others) ;
• Benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril quinapril ramipril or trandolapril are ACE inhibitors; or other medicines which target specific receptors on cells.
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all nsaids.

This list is incomplete. Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene, and other drugs can interact with each other. ThisIncludes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This list does not include all drug interactions.