hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is a combination medicine that is used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure (hypertension).

This medicine is usually given to people in whom other diuretics have caused hypokalemia (low potassium levels in your blood).

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

• you have kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
• you have high potassium levels (hyperkalemia);
• you are taking diuretics similar to triamterene, such as amiloride or spironolactone; or
• you are taking potassium supplements (unless your doctor tells you to).

Diuretics such as triamterene can raise your blood potassium to dangerous levels. This is more likely to occur if you have kidney disease, diabetes, severe illness, or if you are an older adult. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
• gout;
• cataracts or glaucoma;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin;
• kidney stones; o
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is usually taken once per day.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Your heart function may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fever, warmth or flushing in your face, or muscle spasms.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medicine less effective.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• signs of liver or pancreas problems --loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, feeling weak or tired, slow heartbeats, loss of movement;
• low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• lupus-like symptoms --muscle or joint pain, flu symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight; or
• other signs of an electrolyte imbalance --thirst, dry mouth, stomach pain, drowsiness, weakness, fast heart rate, muscle pain or weakness, feeling restless or light-headed.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• dizziness, headache;
• blurred vision; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can affect hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other blood pressure medicine;
• amphotericin B;
• chlorpropamide;
• digoxin;
• laxatives;
• lithium;
• methenamine;
• a blood thinner;
• oral diabetes medicine;
• steroid medication (prednisone and others);
• an ACE inhibitor --benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.