Triamterene (By mouth)

Introduction

Triamterene (trye-AM-ter-een)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s)

Dyrenium

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to triamterene or sulfa drugs, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), or are unable to urinate. You should not use this medicine if you are using potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or other diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactazide®, Aldactone®) or amiloride (Midamor®, Moduretic®).

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine after meals. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, lupus, gout, pancreatitis, or kidney stones.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fever, chills, cough, hoarseness
• Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
• Skin rash or itching
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), dofetilide (Tikosyn?), lithium, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®), or other blood pressure (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Capoten®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Univasc®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.