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What Is Triamterene-HCTZ Used For?

Triamterene-HCTZ is used for the treatment of fluid retention and high blood pressure. By increasing the amount of water and salt removed from the blood, it causes a decrease in blood volume, which can help lower blood pressure. There are no approved triamterene-HCTZ uses in children, and there are no universally accepted off-label uses for the medicine.

 

What Is Triamterene-HCTZ Used For? -- An Overview

Triamterene-HCTZ (Dyazide®, Maxzide®) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of a couple of conditions. These specific triamterene-HCTZ uses can include:
 
Triamterene-HCTZ should be used only in people who develop low potassium levels (hypokalemia) while taking hydrochlorothiazide or in people who cannot risk low potassium levels due to other medical conditions.
 

Triamterene-HCTZ Uses for High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In previous clinical studies, triamterene-HCTZ has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. By lowering blood pressure, the medication can decrease the risk of developing health problems -- such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure -- that often occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, triamterene-HCTZ is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
(What Is Triamterene-HCTZ Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;