Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Triamterene tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE; TRIAMTERENE (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide; trye AM ter een) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and lose the extra water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and edema or swelling from excess water.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-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, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking this medicine. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

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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 medicine?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-eplerenone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-cyclosporine
-heart medicines like ACE inhibitors, digoxin, dofetilide, eplerenone, angiotensin II antagonists, and medicines for blood pressure
-lithium
-medicines for diabetes
-medicines for inflammation like indomethacin
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-other diuretics
-potassium
-sotalol
-tacrolimus

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done before you start this medicine and regularly while you are taking it. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact them. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid or limit alcoholic drinks.

This medicine 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
-changes in vision
-eye pain
-fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
-feeling faint or dizzy
-gout attack
-muscle pain or cramps
-numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
-pain or difficulty when passing urine
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-shortness of breath
-unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-change in sex drive or performance
-dry mouth
-headache
-stomach upset

Where should I keep my medicine?

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Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

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FIRST Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

SECOND Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

THIRD Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation

Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.