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What is triamterene-hctz: Drug Database | Medication Decision Support

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Triamterene-HCTZ Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

This medication can raise your body’s potassium levels. The risk for this is higher for people with diabetes or kidney disease, older adults, or during severe illness. High potassium levels can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.

Warnings:

This medication can raise your body’s potassium levels. The risk for this is higher for people with diabetes or kidney disease, older adults, or during severe illness. High potassium levels can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.

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Uses

This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is a combination of two “water pills” (diuretics): triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination is used by people who have developed or are at risk for having low potassium levels on hydrochlorothiazide. It causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.

How to use Triamterene-HCTZ Capsule

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings increase).

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This product may cause your body to lose too much water and salt (dehydration). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, decrease in vision, eye pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www. fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, gout, high level of potassium in the blood, kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, lupus, skin cancer.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned, have skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness, or high blood potassium levels.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if triamterene passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also How to Use and Precautions sections.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: dofetilide, lithium, other drugs that may increase potassium levels (such as spironolactone, amiloride, cyclosporine).

Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including parathyroid function), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Triamterene-HCTZ Capsule interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, potassium levels, skin exams) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure, and share the results with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Teva-Triamterene HCTZ – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

This combination product contains 2 medications: triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. Both these medications belong to the class of medications called diuretics (“water pills”). They are used in combination to treat edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive heart failure and liver or kidney disorders. It is also used to treat mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.

This medication works by making the body lose excess water and salt. Triamterene, called a potassium-sparing diuretic, helps the body to keep potassium in, while hydrochlorothiazide causes the body to lose potassium. Therefore, potassium supplements are usually not required with this medication.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each peach-coloured, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged, compressed tablet, engraved “novo” on one side and “25/50” on the reverse, contains 50 mg of triamterene and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate.

How should I use this medication?

Each triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide tablet contains 50 mg of triamterene and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. The usual starting dose to treat edema (fluid retention) or high blood pressure is 1 tablet twice daily after meals. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets divided into 2 doses.

Your doctor will increase, decrease, or leave the dose the same depending on your response to the medication. If more than 1 tablet per day is needed, it should be taken in 2 divided doses. If only one dose is needed, it should be taken in the morning after breakfast.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

  • are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene, or any ingredients of the medication
  • are allergic to sulfa medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
  • are not producing urine or are producing very little urine
  • have increased blood potassium levels
  • have severe or progressive kidney disease
  • have severe or progressive liver disease

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • constipation
  • decreased sexual interest or ability
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a lying or sitting position
  • dry mouth
  • enlarged glands in the mouth
  • headache
  • increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pins and needles sensation in hands, feet
  • restlessness
  • stomach cramps or upset stomach
  • vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • discoloured patches or lumps on the skin that change slowly over time
  • signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
  • signs of changes in potassium (e.g., confusion; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; muscle cramps or pain; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness; weak pulse; weakness or heaviness of legs)
  • signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
  • signs of gout (e.g., hot, swollen, or painful joints)
  • signs of infection (e.g., fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
  • signs of kidney problems (e. g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, change of urine colour, nausea, vomiting, swelling feet, ankles, hands)
  • signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
  • symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
  • vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

  • signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
  • signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
  • signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergy: Some people who are allergic to sulfonamide antibiotics also experience allergic reactions to triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide because of the hydrochlorothiazide component. Before you take this medication, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially sulfonamide (sulfa) antibiotics.

Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Diabetes: People with diabetes may find that their blood sugar level is less controlled when taking triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Driving and using machines: Triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which may affect your ability to perform tasks that require special attention, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid performing any potentially hazardous tasks, including driving, until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Glaucoma: Hydrochlorothiazide may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to suddenly occur. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking this medication.

Gout: This medication may cause a flare-up of gout symptoms. If you have gout or a history of gouty arthritis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney stones: Triamterene has been found in kidney stones. If you have kidney stones or a history of kidney stones, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have decreased liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed

Potassium levels: Increased blood levels of potassium, though uncommon, are potentially the most severe side effect with this medication. This is more likely to occur if you are 60 years old or over.

Warning signs or symptoms of high potassium include numbness, muscular weakness, fatigue, paralysis of the extremities, and slow heart rate. If this condition occurs, stop taking the medication.

Potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation, either in the form of medication or as a potassium-rich diet, should not be used at the same time as triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide. Triamterene helps recycle potassium from the urine, back into the body. When it is combined with potassium supplements, high levels of potassium in the blood may result.

Low levels of potassium may also occur for some of the people taking this medication because of the potassium-lowering effect of hydrochlorothiazide.

Sensitivity to sunlight: This medication may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking this medication and for 7 days after your last dose. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.

Skin cancer: Recent studies of hydrochlorothiazide have connected long-term use of the medication with an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Check your skin regularly for unusual growths or discolouration and report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: This medication can worsen or activate the symptoms of lupus. If you experience swollen and painful joints, fever, fatigue, or rash on the nose and cheeks while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta and may affect an unborn baby. Triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk, and triamterene may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between triamterene – hydrochlorothiazide and any of the following:

  • aclidinium
  • alcohol
  • aldesleukin
  • aliskiren
  • allopurinol
  • alpha-agonists (e.g., clonidine, methyldopa)
  • alpha-blockers (e.g., alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin)
  • amantadine
  • amifostine
  • amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)
  • angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril)
  • angiotensin II receptor blockers (e. g., losartan, candesartan)
  • antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
  • antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
  • barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
  • atropine
  • azelastine
  • belladonna
  • benztropine
  • beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline)
  • beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol)
  • brimonidine
  • calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)
  • calcium supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate)
  • carbamazepine
  • cholestyramine
  • colestipol
  • inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone)
  • oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
  • cyclobenzaprine
  • cyclophosphamide
  • cyclosporine
  • dexmethylphenidate
  • diabetes medications (e. g., chlorpropamide, glyburide, insulin, metformin, rosiglitazone)
  • diazoxide
  • digoxin
  • disopyramide
  • other diuretics (water pills; e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
  • dofetilide
  • drospirenone
  • duloxetine
  • eplerenone
  • flavoxate
  • glycopyrrolate
  • guanfacine
  • heparin
  • hydralazine
  • ipratropium
  • ivabradine
  • ketotifen
  • levodopa
  • licorice
  • lithium
  • methylphenidate
  • minoxidil
  • low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin)
  • multivitamin/mineral supplements
  • nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
  • narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen)
  • obinutuzumab
  • orphenadrine
  • other potassium-sparing diuretics (e. g., amiloride, spironolactone)
  • oxcarbazepine
  • oxybutynin
  • pentoxifylline
  • phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)
  • potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride, potassium gluconate, salt substitutes containing potassium)
  • quinidine
  • scopolamine
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
  • sodium phosphates
  • tacrolimus
  • tiotropium
  • tolterodine
  • tolvaptan
  • topiramate
  • tranylcypromine
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
  • umeclidinium
  • vitamin D analogues (e.g., alfacalcidol, calcitriol, cholecalciferol)
  • warfarin
  • yohimbine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Teva-Triamterene-HCTZ

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