Brand Name
Teva-Triamterene HCTZ
Common Name
triamterene - hydrochlorothiazide
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00532657 | Teva-Triamterene HCTZ 50 MG/25 MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This combination product contains 2 medications: triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. Both these medications belong to the class of medications called diuretics ("water pills"). They are used in combination to treat edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive heart failure and disorders of the liver and kidney. It is also used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure.
This medication works by making the body
lose excess water and salt. Triamterene, called a potassium-sparing diuretic,
helps the body to retain potassium, while hydrochlorothiazide causes potassium
to be lost from the body. Therefore, potassium supplements are usually not required
with this medication.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure
why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking
this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this
medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.
It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed
it.
How should I use this medication?
Each triamterene - hydrochlorothiazide
tablet contains triamterene 50 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. The usual
starting dose to treat edema (fluid retention) or high blood pressure
is 1 tablet twice daily after meals. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets divided into 2 doses.
Your doctor will increase, decrease,
or leave the dose the same depending on your response to the medication. If more
than 1 tablet per day is needed, it should be taken in 2 divided doses. If only
one dose is needed, it should be taken in the morning after breakfast.
Many
things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight,
other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended
a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you
are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important
to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist
for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each peach-coloured, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged, compressed tablet, engraved "novo" on one side and "25/50" on the reverse, contains triamterene 50 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene, or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to sulfa medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
- are taking other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride)
- have acute kidney failure
- have increased blood potassium levels
- have severe or progressive kidney disease
- have severe or progressive liver disease
