triamterene

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Hyperkalemia;
Concurrent use of potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing agents;
Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hepatic dysfunction;
Patients with diabetes mellitus (increased risk of hyperkalemia);
Renal insufficiency;
History of gout or kidney stones;
OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: arrhythmias

Derm: photosensitivity

F and E: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia

GI: nausea, vomiting

GU: bluish urine, erectile dysfunction, nephrolithiasis

Hemat: blood dyscrasias

MS: muscle cramps

Neuro: dizziness

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

↑hypotension with acute ingestion of alcohol, other antihypertensive agents, or nitrates.
Use with ACE inhibitors,indomethacin,angiotensin II receptor antagonists potassium supplements, or cyclosporine↑ risk of hyperkalemia.
↓lithium excretion.
Effectiveness may be ↓ by NSAIDs.
↓the effects of folic acid (leucovorin should be used).
May ↑ risk of toxicity from amantadine.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Capsules: 50 mg; 100 mg
In combination with: hydrochlorothiazide (Maxzide). See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 100 mg twice daily; may titrate based on level of diuresis (max dose = 300 mg/day).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Inhibition of sodium resorption in the kidney, while saving potassium and hydrogen ions.

Therapeutic effects:

Weak diuretic when compared with other diuretics.
Conservation of potassium.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: diuretics (potassium-sparing)

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 30–70% absorbed.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: 80% metabolized by the liver, some excretion of unchanged drug.

Half-Life: 1.7–2.5 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(diuretic effect)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
	2–4 hr‡	1–several days‡	7–9 hr‡

‡Single dose.

‡Multiple doses.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Emphasize the importance of continuing to take this medication, even if feeling well. Instruct patient to take medication at the same time each day. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses.
- Caution patient to avoid salt substitutes and foods that contain high levels of potassium or sodium unless prescribed by health care professional.
- May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
- Advise patient to consult with health care professional before taking any OTC or herbal decongestants, NSAIDs, cough or cold preparations, or appetite suppressants concurrently with this medication; may increased BP.
- Advise patients taking triamterene to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
- Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery.
- Inform patient that triamterene may cause bluish-colored urine.
- Advise patient to notify health care professional if muscle weakness or cramps; fatigue; or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs.
- Advise females to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
- Emphasize the need for follow-up exams to monitor progress.
Hypertension: Reinforce need to continue additional therapies for hypertension (weight loss, restricted sodium intake, stress reduction, moderation of alcohol intake, regular exercise, and cessation of smoking). Medication helps control but does not cure hypertension.
- Teach patient and family the correct technique for checking BP weekly.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇