Dyazide (Triamterene/ Hctz)

Do’s

• Take Dyazide by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning.
• The dosage of Dyazide is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose and may require frequent medical tests to determine if the medicine is effective. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Dyazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
• Use Dyazide regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember. 
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Don’ts

• Avoid taking Dyazide within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate 
• Do not take two doses of Dyazide at the same time.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth

Less Common Side Effects:

• Low potassium level, which can manifest as leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
• Kidney problems, characterized by little or no urination, swelling in the feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Lupus-like symptoms, such as muscle or joint pain, flu symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight
• Other signs of an electrolyte imbalance, including thirst, dry mouth, stomach pain, drowsiness, weakness, fast heart rate, muscle pain or weakness, feeling restless, or light-headed

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Dyazide, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Dyazide can raise your body's potassium levels, which poses a higher risk for people with diabetes or kidney disease, older adults, or during severe illness. High potassium levels can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects. Inform your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms such as muscle weakness or slow/irregular heartbeat.

It is unknown if triamterene (one of the components of Dyazide) passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide, another component, passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using Dyazide.

Certain medications and substances, such as exchange resins, chronic or overuse of laxatives, and the effectiveness of methenamine, may interact with Dyazide. Discuss all medications and supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions associated with Dyazide. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized information about the warnings and precautions specific to your health condition and any concerns you may have about its usage.