Maxzide

Who is Maxzide for ?

The combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide, a "water pill," is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Triamterene with hydrochlorothiazide both work to remove excess water and sodium (salt) from the body through the urine. HCTZ also causes potassium to be removed from the body and triamterene causes the body to hold on to potassium. The combination of these two products should keep potassium in balance.

When should I be careful taking Maxzide ?

Before taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially captopril (Maxziden); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); indomethacin (Indocin); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or spironolactone.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• gas
• frequent urination
• dizziness
• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• muscle weakness or cramps
• rash
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fatigue
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat
• severe dry mouth
• unusual bruising or bleeding