Triamterene Capsules

What is this medication?

TRIAMTERENE (trye AM ter een) reduces swelling related to heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease. It may also be used to reduce swelling caused by medications. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine without losing too much potassium. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyrenium

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Eplerenone
• Potassium supplements
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• Dofetilide
• Lithium
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other diuretics
• Penicillin G potassium

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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact them.

Check with your care team 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 medication.

If you are diabetic, this medication may increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your care team before you change the dose of your diabetic medication.

This medication 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High acid level—trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Kidney stones—blood in the urine, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.