Indications 

Maxzide is a prescribed medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or edema (fluid retention) in patients who experience hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) while taking hydrochlorothiazide alone. 

This medication is also prescribed for patients who need a thiazide diuretic but cannot risk developing hypokalemia due to factors such as concurrent digitalis preparations or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. 

Maxzide is a combination of two diuretics, triamterene, and hydrochlorothiazide, commonly referred to as “water pills.” They promote diuresis, increasing urine production to facilitate the elimination of excess salt and water from the body. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Maxzide and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

Maxzide dosage is determined based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Typically, this medication is taken once daily (in the morning), as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. Avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of bedtime to prevent nocturnal urination. 

Take Maxzide regularly at a consistent time(s) daily, exactly as directed for optimal results. Do not alter the dosage or take it more frequently than prescribed by your doctor. 

Continue taking Maxzide even if you experience no symptoms, as individuals with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell. Consult your doctor before discontinuing this medication. 

Inform your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition or if it worsens, such as an increase in your blood pressure readings. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Maxzide. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms last or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation 
• Dizziness, headache 
• Blurred vision 
• Dry mouth 

Serious Side Effects 

• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights 
• A light-headed feeling, potentially fainting 
• Fast, slow, or irregular heart rate 
• Signs of liver or pancreas issues: 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Upper stomach pain (may spread to back) 
  • Nausea/vomiting 
  • Fast heart rate 
  • Dark urine 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) 
• Signs of high potassium level: 
  • Nausea 
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling sensation 
  • Fatigue 
  • Slow heartbeats 
  • Loss of movement 
• Signs of low potassium level: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Chest fluttering 
  • Increased thirst/urination 
  • Numbness/tingling 
  • Muscle weakness or limpness 
• Indications of kidney problems: 
  • Decreased urination 
  • Swelling in feet/ankles 
  • Fatigue 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Lupus-like symptoms: 
  • Muscle/joint pain 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Chest pain 
  • Rash or patchy skin worsening with sunlight exposure 
• Other signs of electrolyte imbalance: 
  • Thirst 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Weakness 
  • Fast heart rate 
  • Muscle pain/weakness 
  • Restlessness 
  • Lightheadedness 
• Signs of a severe skin reaction:  
  • Fever 
  • Sore throat 
  • Burning eyes 
  • Skin pain 
  • Red or purple rash with blistering and peeling 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe side effects mentioned above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Maxzide may occur. Seek immediate medical assistance if you observe any of the following symptoms: 

• Rash 
• Itching 
• Facial, throat, or tongue swelling or itching 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Severe dizziness 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Maxzide. Should you experience any unlisted effects, notify your doctor without delay. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Maxzide, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to: 

• Triamterene 
• Hydrochlorothiazide 
• Other medications 
• Any ingredients present in Maxzide tablets 

To ensure Maxzide is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Diabetes 
• Gout 
• High potassium levels in the blood 
• Kidney disease (including kidney stones) 
• Liver disease 
• Lupus 
• Skin cancer 

Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products, to minimize the risk of drug interaction with Maxzide. 

Some of the products that may interact with Maxzide include:  

• Dofetilide 
• Lithium 
• Other drugs that can potentially elevate potassium levels (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, and cyclosporine) 

Certain products contain ingredients that can increase blood pressure or exacerbate swelling. If you are using cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, inform your pharmacist and obtain instructions for their safe use. 

When taking bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol to reduce cholesterol, take Maxzide either 4 hours before or 4-6 hours after. 

Avoid taking potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or low-sodium milk unless specifically instructed by your doctor. 

Maxzide can potentially affect specific laboratory tests, including parathyroid function, which may lead to inaccurate test results. Inform laboratory personnel and all healthcare providers about your use of this medication. 

Hydrochlorothiazide, the active ingredient in Maxzide, elevates the risk of skin cancer. To prevent it, avoid sunlight and tanning beds, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) while outside. Your physician may advise periodic skin screenings as a precautionary measure. 

Maxzide can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting upon sudden standing up from a reclining position, particularly during the initial phase of intake. To prevent this, gradually get up from bed and rest your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. The consumption of alcohol can exacerbate these symptoms. 

The risk of lightheadedness or dehydration can be heightened by severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Notify your doctor of prolonged episodes of diarrhea or vomiting. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, consume ample fluids to prevent dehydration. 

For those with diabetes, taking Maxzide can impact blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor blood sugar as directed and inform your doctor of the results. Your doctor may need to modify your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet accordingly. 

Maxzide should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Discuss with your doctor for assessment. 

The transfer of triamterene into breast milk is not known. Hydrochlorothiazide does pass into breast milk, but it is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing infant. Consult with your doctor before breastfeeding when taking this medication.