MAXZIDE

Drug Name: MAXZIDE

MAXZIDE DESCRIPTION:
TRIAMTERENE WITH HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL (try-AM-ter-een WITH HI-dro-klor-oh-THIGH-uh-zide)

COMMON MAXZIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Dyazide, Maxzide

MAXZIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
MAXZIDE may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because MAXZIDE changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. Also avoid drinking alcohol which will aggravate these effects. MAXZIDE may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness and drowsiness the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. MAXZIDE increases sensitivity to the sun. Inform your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands and feet, easy bleeding or bruising, breathing difficulties or difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MAXZIDE:
MAXZIDE: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take MAXZIDE exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Because MAXZIDE may increase urination, avoid taking a dose late in the day.

MAXZIDE WARNING:
MAXZIDE can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.

MAXZIDE USES:
MAXZIDE is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure and to treat edema (fluid retention).

MAXZIDE PRECAUTIONS:
If thiazide is present in your medicine, thiazides can make you more prone to sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing. MAXZIDE should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Thiazide diuretics appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you have diabetes, liver or kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to MAXZIDE. If you are using this medicine for high blood pressure, avoid drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counteract the blood pressure effect. Decongestants are commonly found in over the counter cough and cold products. The use of alcohol can increase dizziness or lightheadedness. Ask your doctor about its use.

MAXZIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: lithium, ACE inhibitors (e.g, captopril), indomethacin or other NSAID. If your medicine contains a thiazide and you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MAXZIDE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include flushed face, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

MAXZIDE NOTES:
Diuretics can change the amount of potassium in your body. Potassium supplements should be used only when directed to do so by your doctor.

MISSED MAXZIDE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MAXZIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.