Triamterene
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Triamterene
Triamterene is a diuretic which conserve potassium and it is relatively weak diuretic. It acts on the distal renal tubule of nephron to inhibit the re-absorption of sodium in exchange for potassium and hydrogen and exerts its diuretic effect. Due to exchange of sodium for potassium and hydrogen, triamterene increases sodium excretion, but prevent the excessive loss of potassium and hydrogen generally seen with hydrochlorothiazide. Triamterene is not a competitive antagonist of the mineralocorticoids and its potassium conserving effect is observed in patients with Addison's disease, i.e., without aldosterone. The onset and duration of activity of Triamterene is similar to hydrochlorothiazide.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and mainly used for treatment of hypertension. It blocks the re-absorption of sodium and chloride ions in the renal tubule of nephron, but the diuresis is accompanied by a secondary loss of potassium and bicarbonate. The onset of diuretic effect of hydrochlorothiazide occurs within two hours and the peak action takes place in four hours. Diuretic activity persists for approximately six to twelve hours.
Therapeutic Uses of Triamterene
Triamterene pill is combination of Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide. Triamterene ia potassium-conserving (antikaliuretic) diuretic with relatively weak natriuretic properties. Hydrochlorothiazide is used in treatment of high blood pressure.
Direction of use of Triamterene
Triamterene should be taken as per direction of your doctor or as follows:
- Take Triamterene orally on full stomach with a glass of water.
- If you can not swallow the tablet as whole (trouble swallowing), it may be crushed or chewed with a little water.
If You Miss a Dose of Triamterene
If you are taking it regularly and miss a dose of Triamterene, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Triamterene and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time.
How to Store Triamterene
Triamterene should be stored at at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tight, light resistant container. Do not store Triamterene in the bathroom. Keep Triamterene out of the reach of children and away from pets.
More Information About Triamterene
Triamterene should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Triamterene
Do not use Triamterene if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Triamterene.
- If you have kidney failure (unable to urinate) or have high blood potassium levels or severely decreased liver or kidney function.
- If you are taking potassium supplements, another potassium-sparing diuretic (like amiloride or spironolactone), or an aldosterone blocker like eplerenone.
Important notes about Triamterene:
- Triamterene may cause dizziness and this effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks which require constant attention and monitoring until you know how you react to it.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: You should not take Triamterene if you are pregnant although it is not known if Triamterene can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Triamterene, contact your doctor. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Triamterene while you are pregnant. It is not known if Triamterene is found in breast milk, but do not breast-feed while taking Triamterene without consulting your doctor.
- Triamterene should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of it in children is not yet established.
- Use Triamterene with caution in the elderly as they may be more sensitive to its side effects.
- Consult your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist that you take Triamterene before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Lab tests, like blood electrolytes, blood cell counts, kidney function tests and liver function tests, blood uric acid levels, and blood pressure, should be performed while you are taking Triamterene. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Triamterene
- Common and less serious side effects of Triamterene are nausea, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, weakness etc. If any of the common side effects become bothersome or persistent, you should consult your doctor.
- Severe side effects of Triamterene are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); vomiting, dry mouth, excessive thirst, slow or irregular heart rate, unusual muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) etc. If you experience any of the serious side effects of Triamterene, you should immediately consult your doctor.