Dyazide Uses (Cont.)

Dyazide 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. Dyazide can be used to treat fluid retention due to these conditions as well. The medication helps with water retention by causing the body to get rid of the extra fluid. However, Dyazide does not cure congestive heart failure or other conditions that cause the body to retain fluid.
 

How Does Dyazide Work?

Dyazide is a diuretic. These medicines are commonly referred to as "water pills." Dyazide 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.
 
The medication 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, Dyazide causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, the medication can lower blood pressure and also help with water retention.
 
(Dyazide Uses Continued: Page 3)

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