TRIAMTERENE

Brand & Generic Names

Dyrenium

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antihypertensive, diuretic

Uses

• Reduces fluid retention (edema).
• Reduces potassium loss.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
1 dose per day--Take after breakfast.
More than 1 dose per day--Take last dose no later than 6 p.m.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 6 hours late. If more than 6 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Increases urine production to eliminate sodium and water from body while conserving potassium.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours. May require 2 to 3 days for maximum benefit.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Lethargy, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, irregular heartbeat, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis).

Common:

Constipation, decreased interest in sex.

Infrequent:

• Drowsiness, thirst, dry mouth, confusion, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, kidney stones, unusual tiredness, weakness, fever and chills, cracked mouth corners, black stools, dry mouth.
• Diarrhea.
• Anxiety.

Rare:

• Rash, sore throat, red or inflamed tongue, unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Headache.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to triamterene.
• You have had severe liver or kidney disease.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have gout, diabetes, kidney stones.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:

• Warm weather or fever can decrease blood pressure. Dose may require adjustment.
• Extended use can increase blood clots.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Used infrequently. Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• Potassium retention which may lead to heart rhythm problems.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, kidney function, ECG* and serum electrolytes.

Skin & sunlight:
May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel drowsy or confused. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
ACE inhibitors*:	Possible excessive potassium
captopril, enalapril,	in blood.
Amiloride	Dangerous retention of potassium.
Amiodarone	Increased risk of heartbeat
	irregularity due to low potassium.
Antihypertensives*,	Increased effect of other
other	antihypertensives.
Calcium supplements*	Increased calcium in blood.
Carteolol	Increased antihypertensive effect.
Cyclosporine	Possible excessive potassium in
	blood.
Digitalis	Possible decreased digitalis
preparations*	effect.
Indomethacin	Possible acute renal failure.
Lithium	Increased lithium effect.
Nicardipine	Blood pressure drop. Dosages may
	require adjustment.
Nimodipine	Dangerous blood pressure drop.
Nitrates*	Excessive blood pressure drop.
Non-steroidal	Possible excessive potassium
anti-inflammatory	in blood.
Potassium	Possible excessive potassium
supplements*	retention.
Potassium iodide	May raise potassium level in blood
	to toxic levels.
Sotalol	Increased antihypertensive effect.
Spironolactone	Dangerous retention of potassium.
Terazosin	Decreases effectiveness of
	terazosin.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Low-salt milk.	Possible potassium toxicity.
Cocaine:	Increased risk of heart block and
	high blood pressure.
Salt, substitutes.	Possible potassium toxicity.
Marijuana:	Daily use--Fainting likely.
Tobacco:	None expected.