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What Is Triamterene-HCTZ Used For? (Cont.)

Triamterene-HCTZ Uses for Water Retention

One common cause of water retention is congestive heart failure (CHF). This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It just means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms of CHF that include:
 
There are many other causes of fluid retention, including cirrhosis of the liver. Triamterene-HCTZ can be used to treat fluid retention due to these conditions as well. The medication works to treat water retention by helping the body to get rid of the extra fluid. However, it does not cure congestive heart failure or other conditions that cause the body to retain fluid.
 

How Does Triamterene-HCTZ Work?

Triamterene-HCTZ is a diuretic. These drugs are commonly referred to as "water pills." Triamterene-HCTZ 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.
 
Triamterene-HCTZ 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, the medication causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, triamterene-HCTZ can lower blood pressure and also help with water retention.
 
(What Is Triamterene-HCTZ Used For? Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;