Uses
What is triamterene used for?
Triamterene is a diuretic, also called a water pill, that may be used to reduce edema (fluid retention) caused by the following conditions.
- Congestive heart failure, which is a condition where the heart is not pumping as well as it should
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Kidney disease, including protein in the urine (nephrotic syndrome)
- Fluid buildup caused by the use of steroid hormones
- Hyperaldosteronism, which is a condition where your kidneys place too much sodium back into your blood
- Fluid buildup with no known cause (idiopathic edema)
Triamterene is commonly used with other diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, to help them work better.
Triamterene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does triamterene work (mechanism of action)?
Triamterene works like other diuretics to help your kidneys remove sodium (salt) from your blood. The sodium leaves your body through your pee, along with some fluid. Triamterene also helps your kidneys move potassium into your blood, which can help to prevent too much potassium loss from other diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.
How is triamterene supplied (dosage forms)?
Triamterene is available as Dyrenium and generic triamterene in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 50 mg oral capsules
- 100 mg oral capsules
How should I store triamterene?
Triamterene should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of triamterene?
The most common side effects of triamterene are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Increased potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia) (see below)
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Rash
There may be other side effects of triamterene that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of triamterene?
While less common, the most serious side effects of triamterene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Triamterene can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Kidney Damage or Reduced Kidney Function. Kidney damage or reduced kidney function can happen when taking triamterene. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Kidney Stones. Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) can happen when taking triamterene. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney stones.
- Pain in your side, back, or below your ribs
- Pain in your lower belly
- Pain in your groin or testicles
- Burning when you pee
- Needing to pee more often
- Trouble peeing
- Passing only small amounts of pee
- Pink, red, or brown blood in your pee (hematuria)
- Small stones in your pee
- Cloudy or bad-smelling pee
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking triamterene. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severely Low Platelet Level. Triamterene can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nosebleeds
Anemia. Triamterene may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Cold hands and feet
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Shortness of breath
Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including triamterene. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Triamterene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using triamterene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use triamterene?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use triamterene.
- Triamterene
- Dyrenium
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific triamterene products they stock.
No Urine Production. Do not take triamterene if you are making very little to no pee. This condition is also called anuria.
Other Kidney Problems. Triamterene should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
Liver Problems. Triamterene should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Triamterene should not be used if your blood potassium level is too high. Your healthcare provider should measure your potassium level before starting, and during treatment with, triamterene. It is very important to make it to all appointments where your blood potassium levels will be measured.
Salt Substitutes or Potassium Supplements. Salt substitutes containing potassium, or potassium supplements, should not be used while taking triamterene.
Drug Interactions. Triamterene should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking triamterene, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about triamterene before using it?
Do not take triamterene unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share triamterene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep triamterene out of the reach of children.
Triamterene can affect your electrolyte levels, especially potassium and sodium. It is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes with your healthcare provider, including potassium in food, drinks, or supplements.
Triamterene can be taken after meals to help with upset stomach.
If the need to pee at night is disrupting your sleep, talk to your healthcare provider about the best time to take triamterene.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using triamterene?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if triamterene is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems, including kidney stones
- Gout
- A reduced need to pee
- Persistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can lead to dehydration
- Electrolyte issues, especially high potassium
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Salt Substitutes or Potassium Supplements. Tell your healthcare provider if you use any salt substitutes or low-salt milk, which often contain potassium, or if you take any potassium supplements. This information is important for your healthcare provider to determine if triamterene is safe for you to use.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how triamterene could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take triamterene while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if triamterene passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop triamterene.
Interactions
Does triamterene interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between triamterene and foods or drinks. However, since triamterene affects electrolytes, it is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, with your healthcare provider.
Does triamterene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using triamterene.
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A medicine for high blood pressure
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A direct renin inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- Lithium, which is a medicine commonly used for certain mental health conditions
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Any potassium-containing medicine, such as penicillin G potassium, or potassium chloride
- A medicine for diabetes
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with triamterene. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much triamterene?
If you or someone else has used too much triamterene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of triamterene?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Triamterene?
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