Before taking co-triamterzide

Before taking co-triamterzide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).
• If you know you have low blood sodium, or high blood calcium.
• If you have an adrenal gland disorder or Addison's disease.
• If you suffer from gout.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-triamterzide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take co-triamterzide exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Take co-triamterzide with or immediately after a meal.
• Co-triamterzide will make you want to go to the toilet more often, so your doctor will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning. If you take more than one dose a day, take the second dose after lunch. Do not take any doses after 6 pm in the evening so your sleep is not disturbed.
• If you miss a dose of co-triamterzide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Co-triamterzide may cause your urine to look slightly blue in some lights - this is harmless and nothing to be concerned about.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
• Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and arteries and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. It is important that you take these tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of these.
• It is important that you follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
• Do not stop taking co-triamterzide without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can co-triamterzide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-triamterzide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).