Triamterene is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat swelling associated with problems such as liver and heart disease.
Taken together with other diuretics it is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
What is Triamterene?
Triamterene favors the elimination of water and the excess sodium by the kidneys, which use them to produce urine. At the same time, it reduces the elimination of potassium.
How should Triamterene be taken?
Triamterene is administered orally, usually in the form of capsules to be taken once a day in the morning after breakfast.
Side effects associated with Triamterene
Among the possible adverse effects of Triamterene are included:
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Triamterene triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Weakness or muscle cramps
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Gastric problems
- Excessive tiredness
- Bruising or bleeding
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Jaundice
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sore throat
- Severe dry mouth
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Triamterene
Triamterene should not be taken simultaneously with amiloride, spironolactone or other medications containing Triamterene.
Moreover, before starting treatment with Triameterene, it is also important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially other diuretics, ACE inhibitors, lithium, NSAIDs, anti-diabetes, medications for high blood pressure or supplements or potassium
- You suffer (or have suffered) from diabetes, gout, kidney stones, or heart, kidney or liver disease
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Triamterene prior to any procedure. Lastly, it is important to remember that Triamterene can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, it is recommended to appropriately protect the skin from the sun’s rays during treatment.
