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What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Do not use this medication if you have kidney disease, urination problems, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, diabetes, a breathing disorder, gout, lupus, or a pancreas disorder. Tell your doctor if you use a steroid or another blood pressure medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.

Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that also prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene?

Do not use this medication if you have:

• kidney disease or are unable to urinate;

• high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or

• if you are taking other diuretics or potassium supplements.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• heart disease;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• a breathing disorder;

• gout;

• lupus;

• a history of kidney stones;

• an allergy to sulfa drugs;

• a pancreas disorder; or

• if you are using another blood pressure medication or a steroid.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.