What is triamterene?
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.
Triamterene is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome.
Triamterene is also used to treat edema caused by having too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body.
Triamterene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about triamterene?
Do not use this medication if you have kidney disease, urination problems, severe liver disease, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while you are taking triamterene.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a history of kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you are using another diuretic.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of triamterene.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking triamterene.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking triamterene?
Do not use this medication if you have:
kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
severe liver disease;
high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or
if you are taking potassium supplements, or another potassium-sparing diuretic such as Dyazide, Maxzide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), or spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide).
Before using triamterene, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use triamterene, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Triamterene may pass into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.