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Brand Names: Dyrenium

Generic Name: triamterene (Pronunciation: try AM teh reen)

• What is triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• What are the possible side effects of triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• What is the most important information I should know about triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• How should I take triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Dyrenium)?
• What happens if I overdose (Dyrenium)?
• What should I avoid while taking triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• What other drugs will affect triamterene (Dyrenium)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is triamterene (Dyrenium)?

Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.

Triamterene is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome.

Triamterene is also used to treat edema caused by having too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body.

Triamterene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of triamterene (Dyrenium)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• numbness or tingly feeling;
• muscle pain or weakness;
• slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat;
• feeling drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• shallow breathing;
• tremors, confusion; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue using triamterene and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• dizziness, headache;
• dry mouth; or
• skin rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about triamterene (Dyrenium)?

Do not use this medication if you have kidney disease, urination problems, severe liver disease, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while you are taking triamterene.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a history of kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you are using another diuretic.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of triamterene.

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.

Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking triamterene.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.