GENERIC NAME: triamterene

BRAND NAMES: Maxzide, Dyazide and others (only in combination with hydrochlorothiazide)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: This medication is currently only available in combination with another diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide. This medication is a mild diuretic and blood pressure-lowering (antihypertensive) medication which reduces the potassium loss occurring with its combined drug hydrochlorothiazide.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Is a combination drug of various doses. Usually in capsule form.

STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 30 degrees C (86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: This medication combination is used for the treatment of elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and is a diuretic.

DOSING: Triamterene should be taken at doses specifically directed by your physician. This medication can be taken with or without food. Since this is a combination diuretic and will cause urination a.m. dosing may be more desirable but advice from you physician is needed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not use in excess. Abnormal elevations of the blood potassium can occur and is more common in patients with kidney disorders or in the elderly. Blood potassium levels should be monitored and the patient should be in close contact with their physician. Strict compliance with dosing is mandatory. This combination of drugs can cause sunburns if in the sun directly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Elevated blood potassium levels is the most serious side effect. Dehydration is possible, but uncommon. Triamterene may interfere with folic acid metabolism and contribute to red blood cell enlargement. Monitoring of the blood count is advised. See side effect for hydrochlorothiazide. Liver and kidney damage is uncommon but blood monitoring is advised.

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

Printer-Friendly Format

|

Email to a Friend

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. Source:MedicineNet High Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, its treatment, therapies and prevention Source:MedicineNet Cirrhosis Of The Liver - Learn about cirrhosis of the liver; including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and medical research. Source:MedicineNet Read 26 more triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection

Back to Medications Index