Triamteren

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Triamteren is a diuretic from the group of potassium-sparing diuretics. It is prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure (heart failure) - almost always in combination with other diuretics. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the use, effects and side effects of triamterene.

This is how Triamteren works

Triamteren increases the excretion of sodium ions and at the same time inhibits the excretion of potassium. Together with sodium, water is also excreted, but the diuretic effect of triamterene (and other potassium-sparing diuretics) is only weak. Rather, its importance is that it retains potassium in the body - unlike other diuretics, which can lead to dangerous potassium loss. The combination of such diuretics with potassium sparers like triamterene reduces this risk.

Uptake, breakdown and excretion of triamterene

The diuretic is taken by mouth (orally) and absorbed into the blood through the intestinal wall (but only partially). Its effects last for seven to nine hours, with the maximum effect being reached about two hours after ingestion. The diuretic and its metabolic products are excreted in the urine through the kidneys. About four hours after ingestion, half of the active ingredient has already left the body.

When is Triamteren used?

Triamteren is primarily used for the long-term treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), almost always in combination with another diuretic. It can also be used for heart failure (heart failure) and water retention in the body (e.g. due to a heart or liver disease).

This is how triamterene is used

The active ingredient is used in tablet form. These are often fixed combinations of triamterene and another diuretic.

The dosage is determined by the attending physician, whereby the severity of the disease and the age of the patient play a role. Usually the daily dose is 100 to 200 milligrams per day.

What are the side effects of triamterene?

The active ingredient often causes nausea, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea.

Occasionally, side effects such as dehydration (desiccosis), sodium deficiency and an increase in the level of urea in the blood are observed, especially when Triamteren is combined with other diuretics.

In addition, the potassium-sparing effect of Triamteren can lead to an excess of potassium in the body (hyperkalemia), regardless of whether Trimateren is used alone or in combination with other diuretics. This risk exists particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired kidney function or metabolic acidosis of the blood (metabolic acidosis).

A certain form of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) can develop in patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis.

What should be considered when using Triamteren?

Triamteren should not be used if someone is allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of the drug, or if the liver or kidney has advanced dysfunction. Use is also contraindicated in the presence of a deficiency in potassium and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

When combined with other high blood pressure drugs, the antihypertensive effect increases.

Simultaneous use of drugs containing potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia and is therefore not recommended. The same goes for ACE inhibitors.

The dose of amantadine (for Parkinson's and the flu) may need to be reduced if the patient is also taking triameters combined with hydrochlorothiazide (also a diuretic).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and dicolfenac can block the effects of potassium-sparing diuretics like triamterene.