Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Furosemide (Lasix) and triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide (Maxzide) are both diuretics, but they work differently and are used for slightly different purposes. Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that helps you urinate more to get rid of extra water and electrolytes, which can help with swelling and high blood pressure. It's usually taken once or twice a day and starts working within an hour. On the other hand, Maxzide combines two types of diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, which also makes you urinate more, and triamterene, which helps keep your potassium levels from dropping. Maxzide is typically taken once daily and is a good option if you need to take hydrochlorothiazide but have low potassium levels. Both medications can cause dizziness and make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but Maxzide can also raise your potassium levels, which can be dangerous if you have kidney problems or diabetes. Furosemide (Lasix) is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while Maxzide is available in a fixed-dose combination, making it harder to adjust the doses of the individual components.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Maxzide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Maxzide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide)
Summary of Lasix vs. Maxzide
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
Prescription only
Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, a type of water pill. Furosemide (Lasix) is used to relieve swelling from extra fluids in children and adults. This medication can also lower blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Furosemide (Lasix) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It's also available as an oral solution for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Furosemide (Lasix) will cause you to urinate more often as a side effect, so it's best to not take this medication too close to bedtime.
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
Prescription only
Maxzide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide) is made up of 2 different diuretics (water pills) used to treat high blood pressure and swelling (edema). This medication might be a good choice for someone whose potassium level is too low while taking hydrochlorothiazide on its own. The triamterene component can hep balance out the potassium loss. Maxzide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and dizziness.
Indications of Lasix vs. Maxzide
Indications for
•Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems