Triamterene/HCTZ is a combination medicine used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure (hypertension). It is usually given to people in whom other diuretics have caused hypokalemia (low potassium levels in your blood).

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Triamterene/HCTZ  is usually taken once per day.
You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Your heart function may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Severe illness can affect your potassium levels. 

If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Before taking Triamterene/HCTZ, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, gout, high level of potassium in the blood, kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, lupus, skin cancer. Additionally, if you are allergic to triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies.

 Common side effects of Triamterene/HCTZ may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• dizziness, headache;
• blurred vision; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction.

What is Triamterene/HCTZ ?

Triamterene/HCTZ works primarily by lowering your blood pressure to the normal range and thus, in turn, preventing you from suffering a stroke, heart attack or kidney problems. It amalgamates two water pills within itself, namely, triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. Combining these two particular white pills in Triamterene helps people who are taking this medicine urinate more. It leads to your body getting rid of excess salt and water.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Triamterene/HCTZ ?

Triamterene/HCTZ may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

What are Triamterene/HCTZ side effects?

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.