Dyazide (Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Dyazide

Cirrhosis (Liver) »

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases that is characterized by abnormal structure and function of the liver. The diseases that lead to cirrhosis do so because they injure and kill liver cells, and the inflammation and repair that is associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form. The liver cells that do not die multiply in an attempt to replace the cells that have died. This results in clusters of newly-formed liver cells (regenerative nodules) within the scar tissue. There are many causes of cirrhosis; they include chemicals (such as alcohol, fat, and certain medications), viruses, toxic metals (such as iron and copper that accumulate in the liver as a result of genetic diseases), and autoimmune liver disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver.

Why does cirrhosis cause problems?

The liver is an important organ in the body. It performs many...

Read the Cirrhosis (Liver) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Dyazide User Reviews >>

Dyazide

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow

Take the Salt Quiz!

Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

font size

Dyazide Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

TRIAMTERENE/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

(HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide/try-AM-ter-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyazide, Maxzide

WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. The risk for this is higher for people with diabetes or kidney disease, older adults, or during severe illness. High potassium levels can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects: muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.

USES: This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is a combination of two "water pills" (diuretics): triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination is used by people who have developed or are at risk for having low potassium levels on hydrochlorothiazide. It causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning with or without food. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

This product may affect your potassium levels. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings increase).