Prescription Drugs 2 Go

Dyazide

Dyazide is a Diuretic

Dyazide is a diuretic that is prescribed to force urination. But how does forced urination help? When are diuretics prescribed?

What is a Water Pill?

Also called “water pills” diuretics like Dyazide are useful in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, edema and congestive heart failure. Sometimes the body needs to rid itself of certain harmful substances or toxins. The only way to do this relatively quickly is through urination.

 Dyazide is a combination drug that contains two active ingredients – hhydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. The combination of these chemicals makes sure that your body gets rid of excess water as well as does not lose too much potassium.

The condition that Dyazide is most often prescribed for is edema. This is a medical condition where the body retains too much water. Previously called dropsy or hydropsy, this is a disease where the body retains and accumulates abnormal amounts of fluid beneath the skin or in the cavities of the body.

The body uses a process called homeostasis to determine the right balance of interstitial fluid. This is the fluid that fills the spaces inside the cells and tissues.

Treating Edema

When this process is compromised, fluid builds up and it results in water retention or edema. This is where diuretics such as Dyazide are prescribed.

But what causes edema? This condition may be precipitated by an increase in hydrostatic pressure; decreased oncotic pressure inside the blood vessels; increased permeability of the blood vessel walls as takes place in inflammation; obstruction of fluid clearance via the lymphatic; or due to alterations in the water retaining properties of the tissues themselves.

There are many kinds of diuretics and Dyazide is just one of them. What they do is either stimulate or inhibit the hormones that regulate the production of urine by the kidneys.

Some diuretics such as acetazolamide make the urine more alkaline and flush out substances such as aspirin and other chemicals from drugs in cases of an overdose or toxins in cases of poisoning.

Diuretics are sometimes abused by individuals who have eating disorders. These individuals abuse diuretics as a means to weight loss.

How to Take Dyazide

Dyazide must be taken orally in tablet form most commonly once a day. Dosage will depend on the type of diuretic prescribed and the condition it is intended for.

Also remember not to discontinue the drug unless advised by your doctor. This is important because in some conditions such as hypertension, patients may not feel unwell and may feel they should stop taking the diuretic.

Dyazide is also contraindicated for patients who are on certain medications such as cholestryamine and colestipol which can decrease the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide.