Maxzide Side Effects

Generic name: hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 25, 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.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, or certain diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor®, Moduretic®), spironolactone (Aldactazide®, Aldactone®), or other products containing triamterene. Using these medicines together may cause serious problems.

This medicine may increase the amount of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, trouble breathing, or weakness or heaviness of the legs.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Dizziness may be worse if you lose too much water from your body. You can lose water by sweating, having diarrhea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if this medicine makes you feel lightheaded or dizzy after you have been vomiting or had diarrhea.

Check with your doctor right away if you experience drowsiness, fainting, confusion, muscle pain, weakness, and/or a fast heartbeat. Use extra care if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause dehydration (loss of too much water) or electrolyte imbalances (loss of sodium, potassium, or magnesium in the body).

This medicine may increase your risk of getting skin cancer (eg, non-melanoma skin cancer). Avoid sun exposure. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

This medicine may cause serious kidney problems, including kidney stones. Check with your doctor right away if you have lower back or side pain, decreased frequency or amount of urine, bloody urine, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, weight gain, or trouble breathing.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hydrochlorothiazide / triamterene: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Metabolic adverse events

• 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]

See also:

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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer