Maxzide

Maxzide is a drug commonly prescribed to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. The medicine is a diuretic, which means it causes more salt and water to be removed from the blood. This decreases blood volume, which, in turn, causes a drop in blood pressure. Maxzide comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once a day. Side effects can include low or high blood sugar, nausea, and constipation.

 

What Is Maxzide?

Maxzide® (triamterene-HCTZ) is a prescription medicine that is used as a diuretic for high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is a combination of two diuretic medications: triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
 

Who Makes Maxzide?

Brand-name Maxzide is made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Generic Maxzide is made by several manufacturers.
 

What Is It Used For?

Specific uses of Maxzide can include:
 
(Click Maxzide Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Maxzide is a diuretic.
 These drugs are commonly referred to as "water pills." Maxzide contains two diuretics that work together to keep electrolyte levels in balance. Hydrochlorothiazide, while effective, often causes low potassium levels in the blood. On the other hand, triamterene is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic, meaning that it can actually increase potassium levels in the blood. When taken together, these medications balance each other out.
 
Maxzide works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. The extra salt and water are passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, Maxzide causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, the medication can lower blood pressure and can also help with water retention.
 

Effects

Maxzide has been shown to be effective for controlling blood pressure without causing problems in electrolyte levels. One study gave Maxzide to people who had been taking hydrochlorothiazide but developed electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium. In these people, the drug was effective and also helped to correct electrolyte imbalances.
 

When and How to Take Maxzide

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • The drug comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
     
  • You can take it with or without food.
     
  • Maxzide should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood. However, some people do not need to take it every day, especially those taking it for fluid retention.
     
  • Because Maxzide increases urination, it is best to take it in the morning (to avoid needing to get up to use the bathroom throughout the night), unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to Maxzide.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Maxzide Dosages for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Maxzide. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
A few of the possible side effects of Maxzide include:
 
(Click Maxzide Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Maxzide

Maxzide can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Maxzide Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, including cirrhosis
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Asthma
  • A history of kidney stones
  • Diabetes
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
  • Gout
  • Fluid or electrolyte problems
  • Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Maxzide Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Maxzide may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Increased urination
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness
  • A fever
  • A flushed face
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Low blood pressure
  • Electrolyte imbalance.
     
If you happen to overdose on Maxzide, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Maxzide Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Maxzide Be Stored?

It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Maxzide and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Maxzide as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Maxzide tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Maxzide -- containing 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide and 75 mg triamterene
  • Maxzide-25 -- containing 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide and 37.5 mg triamterene.
     
There is another medication that combines hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene in a capsule form (see Dyazide for more information).
 

Generic Maxzide

Currently, both brand-name and generic Maxzide capsules are licensed for sale (see Generic Maxzide for more information).
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;