Maxzide Side Effects
Generic name: hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Maxzide Side Effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Maxzide.
Applies to hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene: oral capsule, oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (capsule)
Abnormal elevation of serum potassium levels (greater than or equal to 5.5 mEq/L (5.5 mmol/L)) can occur.
Risk of hyperkalemia is increased in patients with renal impairment, diabetes (with or without renal impairment), the elderly, or severely ill.
Serum potassium levels must be monitored at frequent intervals, especially in hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene-naive patients, when dosages are changed, or with any illness that may influence renal function
Serious side effects of Maxzide
Along with its needed effects, hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene:
Incidence not known
- agitation
- back or leg pains
- black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- blisters, hives, itching, skin rash
- bloating
- blood in the urine or stools
- blue lips and fingernails
- blurred vision
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- chest pain or tightness
- chills
- clay-colored stools
- cloudy urine
- cold sweats
- coma
- confusion
- constipation
- cough or hoarseness
- coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
- dark urine
- decreased urine output
- depression
- difficult, fast, or noisy breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- fever with or without chills
- flushed, dry skin
- fruit-like breath odor
- general body swelling
- general feeling of discomfort, illness, or weakness
- greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
- headache
- hostility
- incoherent speech
- increased hunger
- increased sweating
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- indigestion
- irritability
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- loss of consciousness
- lower back or side pain
- metallic taste
- mood changes
- muscle pain, cramps, weakness, or twitching
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- nosebleeds
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- pain in the groin or genitals
- painful or difficult urination
- pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- pale skin
- persistent non-healing sore
- pink growth
- pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- rapid weight gain
- reddish patch or irritated area
- seizures
- sharp back pain just below the ribs
- shiny bump
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- stomachache
- stupor
- sugar in the urine
- swelling of the face, ankles, hands, feet, or lower legs
- swollen or painful glands
- thickening of bronchial secretions
- trouble breathing
- unexplained weight loss
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting of blood
- weak pulse
- weakness or heaviness of the legs
- white, yellow or waxy scar-like area
- yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene:
Symptoms of overdose
- face is warm or hot to touch
- frequent urination
- increased volume of pale, dilute urine
- loss of strength or energy
- pain or weakness in the hands or feet
- redness to face
- reflexes are unusually strong
- trembling
Other side effects of Maxzide
Some side effects of hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- inability to have or keep an erection
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- redness or other discoloration of the skin
- sensation of spinning
- severe sunburn
- welts
For healthcare professionals
Applies to hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene: oral capsule, oral tablet.
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Diabetes mellitus, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, acidosis, hypochloremia, thirst, minor serum electrolyte changes, marked fluctuations in serum potassium levels[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Pancreatitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dry mouth, sialadenitis[Ref]
Renal
- Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis, renal stones composed primarily of triamterene, BUN elevated, serum creatinine elevated[Ref]
There is no evidence that stone formation is increased in patients taking triamterene containing drugs.[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Frequency not reported: Rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, purpura[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Arrhythmias, postural hypotension, undesirable decrease in blood pressure[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Frequency not reported: Glycosuria, abnormal urinary sediment, impotence[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia
Triamterene:
- Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenic purpura, megaloblastic anemia[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Jaundice, liver enzyme abnormalities[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Frequency not reported: Muscle cramps, systemic lupus erythematosus[Ref]
Nervous system
- Frequency not reported: Dizziness, headache[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Weakness, fatigue[Ref]
Immunologic
- Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
References
1. (2002) "Product Information. Maxzide (hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene)." Lederle Laboratories
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
More about Maxzide (hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (7)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: potassium sparing diuretics with thiazides
Patient resources
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Further information
Maxzide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.