Health Library

Triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Triamterene (trye-AM-ter-een)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of two types of diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Maxzide, Maxzide-25

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with amiloride, spironolactone, or other products containing triamterene.
• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using the following:
  • Amphotericin B, digoxin, lithium, methenamine
  • Blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors)
  • Blood thinner
  • Diabetes medicine (including chlorpropamide)
  • Laxatives
  • NSAIDs (including indomethacin)
  • Steroid medicine
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
• Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, gout, lupus, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or a history of kidney stones.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Kidney problems, including kidney stones
  • New or worsening lupus
  • High or low levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium
  • Eye or vision problems, including glaucoma, myopia
  • New or worsening gout
  • Increased risk for skin cancer
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurred vision, eye pain, changes in vision
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, problems urinating, pain in your side or lower back
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024