Triamterence/hydrochlorathiazide, or triam/hctz, is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and/or hypertension. The one pill contains two medications, triamterene and hydrochlorathiazide, both of which are diuretics. By increasing urine flow, they decrease the amount of fluid in the body, thereby reducing high blood pressure. The special nature of triam/hctz is its potassium-sparing effects, allowing the body to retain potassium instead of losing it through the urine. Triam/hctz can have serious side effects.
Hyperkalemia
Triam/hctz is used in patients who have a tendency to lose potassium in their urine with the use of other diuretics. It is also indicated in patients when the development of low potassium could be life-threatening--such as patients on digitalis, a heart medication. Because triam/hctz spares potassium, there is the risk of developing two much potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to all muscle function but is particularly important to the heart muscle. The development of a potassium level higher than six can cause heart arrhythmias that could be fatal. Hyperkalemia, or high potassium, is more likely to develop in patients who have renal failure, are diabetics or are severely ill.
Electrolyte Imbalance
As with any diuretic, triam/hctz can be associated with electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are the chemicals in the body such as potassium, chloride, calcium and sodium that are measured in the blood. When these chemicals are washed out of the body in the urine, symptoms will occur. Warning signs of electrolyte imbalance include: dry mouth; weakness; lethargy; confusion; drowsiness; restlessness; muscle pain or cramps; low blood pressure; and heart arrhythmias. Nausea and vomiting may occur as well as decreased urine output. Calcium excretion may be decreased, allowing for the formation of kidney stones. Triam/hctz may cause low sodium which could result in confusion, delirium and disorientation, according to Drugs.com.
Other Side Effects
Triam/Hctz can cause hepatic coma by altering the fluid and electrolyte balance in those with impaired liver function. Folic acid deficiency can occur with the use of triam/hctz, and gout can be precipitated by the thiazide portion of the medication. Patients with diabetes that has been undiagnosed may exhibit symptoms of diabetes when on this medication.
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