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Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide is a combination prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema). It’s also known as co-triamterzide.
It pairs two different types of diuretics, or “water pills,” that work together to help your body get rid of excess salt and water while keeping important potassium levels in balance.
Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide work together to reduce excess fluid in the body and help lower blood pressure by targeting how your kidneys handle salt and water.
By combining these two medications, this treatment supports fluid control and blood pressure management with a lower risk of potassium depletion, a common side effect of many diuretics.
You may qualify for triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide if you have high blood pressure or fluid retention – especially if you need a diuretic but are at risk for low potassium levels. A healthcare provider will determine if this combination is right for you by evaluating:
This treatment isn’t right for everyone, especially if you have kidney problems or high potassium levels, so a provider will carefully review your case before prescribing it.
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Triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide might be right for you if you need help managing high blood pressure or fluid retention, and you're at risk of low potassium from other diuretics. A healthcare provider will consider:
If you need a diuretic but want to avoid dropping your potassium too low, this combo may be a good option – but only if it's safe based on your health profile. Your provider will help decide if it’s the right fit.
Triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide may cause temporary weight loss, but it’s usually due to fluid loss, not fat loss. As a diuretic, this medication helps your body get rid of excess water and sodium, which can lead to a quick drop on the scale – especially if you’ve been retaining fluid due to high blood pressure or certain medical conditions.
However, this effect is not the same as true, long-term weight loss. Once your fluid levels stabilize, the weight often levels out as well. This medication is not intended or prescribed for weight loss, and using it for that purpose can be unsafe. Be sure to follow your provider’s guidance for how and why it should be used.
Triamterene can be prescribed on its own, but it’s more commonly used in combination with other diuretics – like hydrochlorothiazide – to help manage blood pressure or reduce fluid retention while keeping potassium levels stable.
When used by itself, triamterene may be appropriate if:
However, it's generally not as effective alone for lowering blood pressure compared to when it’s paired with another diuretic. Your healthcare provider can help determine if monotherapy with triamterene makes sense based on your needs and lab results.
Yes, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is often prescribed on its own – especially to treat high blood pressure or mild fluid retention. It’s a thiazide diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess sodium and water through urine, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce swelling. However, HCTZ can lower potassium levels, which is why it’s sometimes combined with a potassium-sparing diuretic like triamterene. Whether HCTZ is prescribed alone or in combination depends on your:
A provider will monitor you closely and adjust your treatment as needed.
While ED is not a common side effect of triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide, some men may experience changes in sexual function.
Hydrochlorothiazide, the thiazide component, has been linked to sexual side effects like reduced libido or ED in certain individuals. This may be due to its effects on blood flow, electrolyte balance, or testosterone levels. Triamterene is generally not known to worsen ED and is added mainly to help balance potassium.
If you notice changes in sexual function while taking this medication, be sure to speak with your provider. They may adjust your treatment or explore alternatives that better support both your cardiovascular and sexual health.
Certain medications should be used with caution – or avoided altogether – when taking triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide, because they may increase the risk of side effects, especially high potassium, low blood pressure, or kidney issues. Common examples include:
The most common side effects of triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide include:
These side effects often improve as your body adjusts, but if you experience severe symptoms like irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Yes! With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home within an hour. If appropriate, your provider may prescribe a medication and send it directly to your local pharmacy.
For even more flexibility, a LifeMD+ membership gives you 24/7 access to care, same-day prescription refills, exclusive wellness perks, and easy access to lab testing — all designed to make managing your health simple and stress-free.
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