Triamterene; Hydrochlorothiazide Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

TRIAMTERENE; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (trye AM ter een; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) treats high blood pressure. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine. It is a combination of two diuretics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyazide, Maxzide, Maxzide-25

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• High blood sugar (diabetes)
• Immune system problems, like lupus
• Kidney disease or stones
• Liver disease
• Small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Dofetilide
• Eplerenone
• Potassium supplements
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• Lithium
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other diuretics
• Penicillin G potassium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. You will need lab work done before you start this medication and regularly while you are taking it. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact them.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid or limit alcoholic drinks.

Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints such as the big toe
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Kidney stones—blood in the urine, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision, such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Headache
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.