Dyazide (Triamterene/HCTZ)

What is Dyazide?

Dyazide is a combination of two diuretics (water pills), namely, triamterene and HCTZ. The medicine is generally used in patients who are at high risk of developing serious potassium loss with hydrochlorothiazide treatment alone.

What is Dyazide used for?

Dyazide is used to treat edema or excess absorption of salt by the body. It also helps the body lower high blood pressure and prevents heart strokes, heart failure, kidney and liver diseases. It has also been known to restore potassium levels in the body.

The medication normalizes the pressure on the blood and keeps the arteries functioning without problems.

How does Dyazide work?

Dyazide is a water pill and hence increases the amount of water in the body that will pass through the urine.  (i.e. more water passed out through the urine means a decrease in the amount of water in the body).

How to use Dyazide

Take the tablet as directed by your doctor. You are advised to take the Dyazide tablet orally with a full glass of water. The Dyazide tablet can be taken with or without food.

The tablets are to be taken the number of times approved by the doctor. It is best to take the tablet at least 4 hours before going to bed so as to not disturb nighttime sleep. To gain the best results, take the medicine daily and preferably at the same time. If you are also taking colestipol and cholestyramine in tandem with this medicine, make sure you have them at least 2 hours before or after the consumption of this medicine.

Dyazide warnings and precautions

Do not take Dyazide if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Check with your doctor before you take the medicine if you have a medical history of kidney and liver diseases, mineral imbalance, folic acid deficiency and acidosis, gout and lupus.

If you are a diabetic, ensure that you regularly keep a check on your blood sugar levels in order to avoid any complications that might crop up. Also, the dosage has to be adjusted to suit your medical condition.

Dyazide can make your skin over sensitive to the sunlight. Therefore, avoid harsh lighting as far as possible and keep yourself adequately covered.

Dyazide can make you feel dizzy and blur the vision; you are not advised to take up any attention demanding work while you are under this medication period. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

The medicine is not advised to be given to pregnant and lactating mothers as it can harm an unborn or nursing child.

What do I do if I have missed a Dyazide dose?

If you have missed a Dyazide dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more of the medicine to make up for the loss.

What do I do if I have taken a Dyazide overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Dyazide, consult your doctor.

Dyazide interactions

Very serious complication can occur if Dyazide is taken in tandem with cisapride, or ethacrynicacid.

Inform your doctor about all the non prescription and herbal medicines you have been taking. Aliskeren, especially is known to interact with Dyazide. Other medicines like genatmicin, tobramycin, amphotericin, digoxin, lithium, NSAIDs, cough and cold medicines, aspirin, salicylates and sucralfates are known to interact. Check with your doctor before using these medicines if you are under the medication of Dyazide.

Dyazide side effects

Side effects from Dyazide include diarrhea, constipation, headache, numbness, stinging, burning, pain, dizziness and blurred vision. If these conditions persist, it is recommended that you visit your medical health provider.

Some of the more serious side effects of Dyazide include dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, uneven heart beat, hives, swelling on the face, lips and tongue.

Increased urination, bruising, bleeding, red skin rash, hearing loss, dark urine, clayey stool, and loss of appetite need to be treated by the doctor.