Need Maxzide info, please

[Beth36]

Does anyone have any experience with Maxzide? I read the recent post about Dyazide and low sodium, and I know that Mazxide is in the same class of combination diuretics. Should I be concerned with electrolytes with Maxzide, too?

Is Maxzide alone effect in blood pressure control, or it another drug usually added?

Has anyone had any side effects with it? FYI, I'm on the lowest dosage pill, once a day. Will start it tomorrow.

-Beth

[Desdemona Too]

Hi Beth,

I have been taking Maxide for about five months now with no side effects whatsoever. I originally took half of a 25mg pill but after two weeks was instructed to take the whole 25mg. I lost about 4/5 pounds in the first two days of taking it so that was cool. HeeHee. A diuretic like Maxzide is often given as a first line of medication for high BP in the hopes that it will draw enough fluid from your blood to lower the pressure. It did lower my pressure somewhat but not enough and I have now been put on Tenormin daily.

You should have no trouble with it. I'm sure your doctor will check your progress and determine if you need any additional meds.

Good luck!

DT

[zuzu8]

Maxide is a potassium-SPARING diuretic called triamterene.
Diuretics are incredibly effective anti-hypertensive meds and if well-tolerated are the mainstay therapy for high blood pressure.

However, abnormal elevation of serum potassium levels can occur with all potassium-sparing agents, including triamterene. Hyperkalemia (too much potassium in blood) is more likely to occur in patients with kidney impairment, and diabetes (even without evidence of renal impairment), elderly or severely ill patients. Hyperkalemia can be pretty serious so your doctor MUST monitor your electrolytes at frequent intervals, (even if you are not experiencing any side effects.) You should also get a blood test when dosages are changed or with any illness that may influence renal function.

See how you do...I presume your doctor wants to see you in about a week to see how the Maxide is working. You may not need any additional meds at all. Do NOT use any potassium supplements while on this drug, unless your doctor finds, after blood tests that your potassium is low. This can happen in spite of it being potassium "sparing".

If you experience thirst, dizziness, abnormal fatigue, you might be having some kind of electrolyte imbalance, which this simple blood test would reveal immediately.

Don't anticipate though! Many people do GREAT on one low dose pill only, without any problems whatsoever.

Good luck!

zuzu xxx




[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 10-07-2003).]

[Beth36]

Desdemona and Zuzu,
Thanks for your replies and helpful info...I'll let you know how I do! I'm glad I found this board.

Beth

[lilleth]

What is the difference in maxide and triamterene./htc? I take the latter, and I assume it is a combination diuretic. Zuzu?

THanks!