Triamterene Oral capsule Health Article

Generic name(s):

Triamterene Oral capsule

Brand name(s):

Dyrenium

What is this medicine?

TRIAMTERENE (trye AM ter een) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat edema or swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease. It is also used to treat patients who make too much aldosterone or have low potassium.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high blood level of potassium
• kidney disease or trouble making urine
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to triamterene, other diuretics, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine after a meal to reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• eplerenone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• diuretics
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
• medicines for blood pressure, like ACE inhibitors
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• penicillin G potassium
• potassium products like salt substitutes or supplements
• skeletal muscle relaxants, like tubocurarine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

If you are diabetic, this medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor or health care professional before you change the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.