Triamterene

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid (salt and water) slowly and gently.
• It is frequently in used liver disease (cirrhosis).
• It can also be used to increase potassium stores in the body.

How does it work?

• Triamterene gets rid of extra salt and water in the body by competing against a hormone made in the body (aldosterone). In the same way, triamterene increases potassium stores in the body.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. Make sure there are no other medicines that increase potassium.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can worsen high blood pressure or fluid gain.
• Not for use in kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• High potassium. This may make you feel weak, lightheaded, dizzy, numbness, tingling, or like passing out.
• Change in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after medicine is stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without this side effect.

What should I monitor?

• If you are using this medicine for fluid removal, check daily weight. Report a weight gain or lack of weight loss per week.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow diet plan (low salt) and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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