Triamterene Oral Capsules

What is this medication?

TRIAMTERENE (trye AM ter een) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water from your body. It treats swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease. It also treats high blood pressure.

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 diuretics, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this drug 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 health care provider tells you to stop.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug 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 medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir
• eplerenone
• potassium supplements
• tranylcypromine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• dofetilide
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medicines 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 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• black or tarry stools
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain or cramps
• numbness, tingling in hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• trouble passing urine
• unusual bleeding
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

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

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

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 drug 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.