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What is Triamterene
TriamtereneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTriamterene is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It helps the body get rid of extra sodium and water while also preserving potassium. Taking this medication can increase the risk of high potassium levels in the blood, called hyperkalemia. Triamterene was approved by the FDA in 1964 and is used alone or in combination with other diuretics to enhance its effects. It is also found in a combination product with hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure or edema in people who become low on potassium when taking hydrochlorothiazide by itself.
Maxzideis the brand name
Triamterene Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Maxzide
Triamterene
1988
188
Effectiveness
How Triamterene Affects PatientsTriamterene is a drug used to treat high blood pressure and swelling. It works by blocking the body from absorbing too much salt and preventing the loss of potassium in the urine. This can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can cause an irregular heartbeat. Triamterene also affects the kidney's ability to filter out other substances like sodium, magnesium, uric acid, and creatinine. It does not affect calcium excretion. When used with hydrochlorothiazide, it has been found to lower blood pressure even further.
How Triamterene works in the bodyTriamterene works on the kidneys to stop the body from absorbing too much sodium, which increases urine production. It blocks certain proteins called epithelial sodium channels from absorbing sodium ions from the peritubular medium and forces them out of the cells, leading to increased excretion of sodium, water, potassium, hydrogen, and chloride ions in the urine. Triamterene also increases the excretion of magnesium, unlike amiloride. Its action helps balance the levels of electrolytes in the body.
When to interrupt dosage
The endorsed dosage of Triamterene is subject to the diagnosed condition, including Cirrhosis, Hypokalemia and Edema. The measure of dosage is contingent upon the method of administration (e.g. Capsule or Tablet - Oral) mentioned in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Edema
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Diuretics
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Hypokalemia
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Cirrhosis
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Hypertensive disease
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Swollen feet or ankles
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Nephrotic Syndrome
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Edema
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Edema
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Thiazides
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Congestive Heart Failure
, 75.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Warnings
Triamterene ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
severe progressive kidney disease
Do Not Combine
elevated serum potassium levels
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Anuria
Do Not Combine
Liver diseases
Do Not Combine
Common Triamterene Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Cyclosporine
Major
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Triamterene is combined with Cyclosporine.
Neomycin
Major
The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Triamterene is combined with Neomycin.
Tacrolimus
Major
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Triamterene is combined with Tacrolimus.
Tenofovir
Major
Triamterene may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.
Tenofovir alafenamide
Major
Triamterene may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.
Triamterene Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of triamterene in rats is 400mg/kg and 285-380mg/kg in mice. There have been cases of reversible kidney failure from taking 50 pills containing 50mg triamterene and 25mg hydrochlorothiazide. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, weakness, and low blood pressure due to changes in electrolyte levels. There is no specific antidote for triamterene overdose, so medical treatments such as vomiting and gastric lavage are used to remove the drug from the stomach. Dialysis may also be used to help reduce the effects of the overdose
Triamterene Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Triamterene?
138 active trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of Triamterene in providing relief from Cirrhosis, Hypokalemia and Nephrotic Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Nephrotic Syndrome
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Edema
0 Actively Recruiting
Swollen feet or ankles
40 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
Cirrhosis
50 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Diuretics
0 Actively Recruiting
Edema
0 Actively Recruiting
Congestive Heart Failure
23 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Thiazides
0 Actively Recruiting
Edema
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
19 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Hypokalemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Triamterene Reviews: What are patients saying about Triamterene?
5Patient Review
5/20/2019 This is by far the best medication I've ever been prescribed. It helped me lose 15 pounds and lower my blood pressure, all without any negative side effects that I can tell. It's a miracle drug, for sure.
4.7Patient Review
1/25/2018 After taking this medication for two years, my blood pressure averaged 117/76. The side effects I experienced were morning dizziness, occasional dry mouth, and sometimes at bedtime. I decided to take the drug every other day instead of daily. After two months, there was no change. I tried eliminating the med entirely, and after three days my BP went up to 140/90. I resumed the drug 4 times per week. In two weeks I will test again and may have to resume a daily dose. Despite the minor side effects, I'll continue with a good diet and regular exercise.
4.3Patient Review
1/19/2018 I had really bad leg cramps while trying to sleep; this made it impossible to get a good night's rest.
3.3Patient Review
9/30/2013 I only experience ringing and a clogged feeling in my ears as side effects, but they are both incredibly annoying. I used to have very mild ringing but it has increased significantly since taking this drug regularly.
3Patient Review
2/26/2018 After a week of taking this medication, I have felt lightheadedness, fogginess, and heart flutters. These effects have been persistent for two days now, but my breathing has also become labored at times. I don't feel that my blood pressure has lowered as intended. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to discuss these issues further and currently am dieting in hopes of dropping weight so that I can get off the medication entirely.
3Patient Review
6/11/2014 My blood pressure did go down after taking this medication, but I experienced some pretty severe leg cramps, fatigue, and nausea. The worst side effect for me, though, was the canker sores that developed throughout my mouth.
3Patient Review
8/6/20133Patient Review
1/30/2014 This medication gave me heartburn, an upset stomach, and unfortunately caused weight gain.
3Patient Review
2/25/2014 I experience tinnitus as a side effect of this medication.
2.7Patient Review
5/22/20132.3Patient Review
2/7/2018 I experienced some pretty intense and uncomfortable side effects while taking this medication. My urine had a loud, foul smell that I couldn't get rid of no matter what I did. In addition to that, I constantly felt congested and coughed as if I had a cold. It was hard to breathe properly. Thankfully, all my symptoms went away just 2 days after stopping the medicine.
2.3Patient Review
4/4/2014 I would recommend keeping an eye on your sodium and potassium levels while taking this medication. I experienced some strange symptoms, including fainting, and it turns out that it was due to low sodium from taking triamterene for three years. Once I switched medications, my sodium levels were fine again.
2.3Patient Review
11/4/2017 This medicine has been helpful in addressing the fluid retention that is a symptom of Meniere's Disease. However, I have found it makes me tired and exacerbates my dry eyes. Additionally, I've experienced more leg cramps since starting this medication.
2Patient Review
5/16/2022 My doctor switched me to this medication from a diuretic combo that included this same drug because of my gout. I've been on it for almost a month now and I'm already retaining water again. All my joints hurt, especially my knees. Sometimes I get so lightheaded I feel like I'm going to pass out. This was supposed to be preventative against gout flares in the first place, but since being on it I've started having them again. Going to see about getting back on my old diuretic.
Patient Q&A Section about triamterene
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is triamterene a good blood pressure medication?
"The conclusion of the study was that triamterene has the ability to lower blood pressure in addition to its potassium-sparing action."
Answered by AI
Is triamterene the same as hydrochlorothiazide?
"Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene are both diuretics, which means they help prevent the body from absorbing too much salt. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, while triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Both of these drugs help keep the body's fluid levels balanced."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of Triamterene HCTZ 37.5 25?
"You may experience:
stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
dizziness, headache; or
blurred vision; or
dry mouth."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of the medication triamterene?
"The following effects may occur: dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, headache, stomach upset, or diarrhea. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position."
Answered by AI