Information on Dyazide and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Dyazide Consumer Information

DYAZIDE

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide and trye AM ter een)

Brand Names: Dyazide, Maxzide, Maxzide-25

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

  • To reduce night time urination, take your last daily dose of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene before 6 p.m..
  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. These products could cause very high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

  • Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in your body by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
  • Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (also water pill). It is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without causing the loss of potassium.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is used to treat edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

  • Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene if you
    • have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics,
    • have severe kidney disease,
    • have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or
    • are taking another diuretic that helps you retain potassium such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or triamterene (Midamor).
  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
    • liver disease,
    • high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol (types of fat) in your blood,
    • kidney stones,
    • gout, or
    • diabetes.
  • You may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • This combination product is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • If you are 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • It is usually taken once a day but may be taken twice daily. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to take it.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
  • To reduce nighttime urination, take your last daily dose before 6 p.m..
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene should begin working about 4 to 6 hours after you take it, but it may be a few weeks before you see an improvement in your condition.
  • Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse.
  • Store hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • If you take one dose daily, take the dose you missed up to 12 hours late. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • If you take two doses daily, take the dose you missed up to 6 hours late. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical treatment.
  • Symptoms of a hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene overdose include very low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, confusion); an irregular heart beat; weakness; nausea; vomiting; drowsiness; and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

  • Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. These products could cause very high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
  • Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and will decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.
  • Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. This can lead to dehydration while taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.
  • Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.

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