How should this medicine be used?
Triamterene comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning with breakfast or twice a day with breakfast and lunch. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take triamterene exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Triamterene controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take triamterene even if you feel well. Do not stop taking triamterene without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking triamterene,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to triamterene, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially captopril (Capoten); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); indomethacin (Indocin); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and medications for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or spironolactone.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking triamterene, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking triamterene.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Triamterene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions for a low-salt or low-sodium diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes. Limit your intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice). Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods you may have.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from triamterene are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- muscle weakness or cramps
- rash
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fatigue
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- sore throat
- severe dry mouth
- unusual bruising or bleeding
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and blood tests should be done occasionally.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
