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.
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, 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.
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
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
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need lab work done before you start this medication and regularly while you are taking it. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.
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.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
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.
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.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
