Why is this medication prescribed?
Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are combined to treat high blood pressure and edema in people with lower potassium levels in their bodies or for whom low potassium levels in the body could be harmful. Edema is defined as excess fluid retained in body tissues. Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene together belong to a class of drugs known as diuretics, or “water pills.” They function by pushing the body’s extra water and salt into the urine, where the kidneys dispose of them.
Untreated high blood pressure can harm various bodily organs, including the heart, brain, blood vessels, kidneys, and kidneys. High blood pressure is a frequent illness. Heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, renal failure, blindness, and other issues can result from damage to these organs. You can control your blood pressure by changing your lifestyle in addition to taking medication. These adjustments include eating a low-fat, low-salt diet, keeping a healthy weight, working out for at least 30 minutes every day, giving up smoking, and drinking alcohol sparingly.
How should this medicine be used?
Triamterene with hydrochlorothiazide is supplied as a tablet and capsule for oral use. Usually, one takes it once day. Take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene at roughly the same time each day. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions on the label of your prescription, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to clarify anything you are unsure about. Adhere to the prescribed dosage for triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. Take it exactly as suggested by your doctor; do not take it more or less frequently.
Other uses for this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information if you think this medication could be recommended for something else.
What special precautions should I follow?
When using Azelastine Nasal Spray, it is important to follow these special precautions:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide-derived medications (‘sulfa drugs’), any other medications, or any ingredients in triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide capsules or tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the patient information for a list of the ingredients.
- Do not take triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone, in Aldactazide), or other medications containing triamterene. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide if you are taking one of these medications.
- Inform your physician if you have hyperkalemia or kidney problems. You can be advised by your doctor not to take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene together.
- Inform your physician about kidney stones, diabetes, gout, thyroid, heart, or liver disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammatory illness.
- Inform your physician if you intend to get pregnant or are already pregnant. If you are taking hydrochlorothiazide with triamterene, do not breastfeed. Contact your physician if you become pregnant while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.
- You should be aware that if you stand up too rapidly from a reclining position, triamterene plus hydrochlorothiazide may produce lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. When you initially start taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, this is more common. Get out of bed gradually, putting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before getting up, to prevent this issue. Alcohol may intensify these adverse effects.
Following these precautions helps ensure the safe and effective use of Azelastine Nasal Spray and minimizes potential risks or side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and instructions.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Pay close attention to your doctor’s recommendations if they recommend a low-sodium or low-salt diet, or if they advise you to consume more potassium-rich foods (including orange juice, bananas, prunes, and raisins).
What should I do if I forget a dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. On the other hand, if the next dose is almost here, skip the one you missed and stick to your usual dosage plan. Never take two doses to make up for something you forgot to take.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects are possible with hydrochlorothiazide and trimeterene. If any of these symptoms are severe or persistent, let your doctor know:
- Frequent urination
- Headache
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pain in the upper stomach area
- Swelling or tenderness of stomach area
- Upset stomach
- Fever
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, restlessness, disorientation, cramping or weak muscles, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration
It’s important for users to consult with a healthcare provider if they experience severe or persistent side effects.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Store this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of small children. Keep it out of the bathroom and at room temperature, away from sources of heat and moisture.
It is important to dispose of unnecessary prescriptions in a specific manner so that children, dogs, and other people cannot ingest them. But this drug is not something you should flush down the toilet. The best way to get rid of your medication is to use a service called medicine take-back. To find out more about take-back initiatives in your area, speak with your pharmacist or get in touch with the recycling and trash department. If you are not able to participate in a take-back program, visit the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for further details.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
In case of emergency/overdose
Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Online resources can also be found at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. In the event that the sufferer has passed out, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be coaxed awake, dial 911 right away.
The following are possible overdose symptoms:
- Increased urination
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Weakness or tiredness
- Fever
What other information should I know?
Remember to keep all of your doctor’s and the laboratory’s appointments. To monitor how your body is reacting to triamterene, your doctor may prescribe specific laboratory tests.
Notify your doctor and the laboratory staff that you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene prior to any laboratory tests.
Don’t give your medication to anyone else. If you have any questions concerning filling your prescription, ask the pharmacist.
It is crucial that you maintain a written record of every medication you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, as well as any dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals. This list should accompany you to all doctor appointments and hospital admissions. Additionally, having this information on hand is crucial in case of an emergency.