Triamterene-HCTZ is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and fluid retention. This drug is a combination of a two types of diuretics (water pills) that serve to regulate the sodium and water in your body. Typically, your doctor will prescribe 1 or 2 capsules of Triamterene-HCTZ daily.
Routine Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Triamterene-HCTZ's routine side effects include fluctuation in your blood glucose (sugar) levels, headache, tiredness and poor appetite. It can also cause nausea, photosensitivity (a condition in which you are sensitive to sun exposure), weakness, stomach pain and constipation. MedlinePlus says that this medication can also cause flatulence (gas) and increased urination. Notify your doctor when these side effects remain for at least three days. Your doctor can lower the dosage in order to prevent the emergence of these side effects.
Critical Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Triamterene-HCTZ can cause numerous and potentially fatal side effects. These side effects include trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or breathing, vomiting, stomach pain, fever and an increased pulse. It can also cause extreme fatigue, muscle pain, bradycardia (slow heart rate) and a poor appetite. Other critical side effects include jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin), dry mouth, severe thirst, bruising or bleeding, the flu and changes in your skin sensation such as numbness, tingling or burning. Discontinue Triamterene-HCTZ and seek medical help immediately in the event of any of these side effects.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine reports that Trimaterene-HCTZ can cause postural hypotension (low blood pressure when changing positions), renal failure and changes in your electrolyte (mineral) levels. It can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). It can affect your blood cell counts and cause leukopenia (low white blood cells) and anemia (low red blood cells). In some cases, Triamterene-HCTZ can also cause impotence and blurred vision.
Warnings
Drugs.com warns that you should tell your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics. Combining Triamterene-HCTZ with these drugs can cause confusion, a slow heart rate or cardiac arrest.
Avoid Triamterene-HCTZ if you have a hypersensitivity to it. Trouble breathing, hives and puffiness of your face, tongue and lips can occur.
Be careful if you suffer from diabetes. Triamterene-HCTZ can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and may alter the effectiveness of your insulin medication.
Take caution when you suffer from liver problems. Triamterene-HCTZ can lead to a hepatic coma. Symptoms of a hepatic coma include confusion, tremors and drowsiness, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking such medications as enalapril or indomethacin, or are receiving chemotherapy treatments. Triamterene-HCTZ can combine with these medications and lead to the aforementioned serious side effects.
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