Triamterene

About Triamterene

This belongs to the group of medicines known as potassium-sparing diuretics.

Diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.

Triamterene is known as a potassium-sparing diuretic because, unlike some other diuretics, it does not cause your body to lose potassium.

Triamterene is used to treat oedema (water retention), often caused by liver disease, kidney problems or heart failure. It prevents the build up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidney.

Triamterene is mainly used alongside other diuretics.

Triamterene is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Dytac. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Triamterene

Before taking triamterene make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium)
• if you suffer from prostate problems or have problems urinating (passing water)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Triamterene

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take triamterene exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are taking another diuretic (water tablet) you should take it at the same time as triamterene.
• Take triamterene capsules with or immediately after food.
• Triamterene will make you urinate (pass water) more often, so your doctor or pharmacist will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6pm in the evening.
• If you miss a dose of triamterene take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6pm in the evening skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
• Triamterene is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of triamterene contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside triamterene.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can cause a big drop in blood pressure and may cause you to faint.
• It is important to take triamterene exactly as directed by your doctor, and not to stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor. If you are overweight, your doctor may want you to follow a weight reducing diet.
• A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine. Salt substitutes contain potassium. Do not use them while taking triamterene unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Too much potassium can be harmful. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on your diet.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry.
• Triamterene may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Triamterene may cause you to experience faintness or dizziness when getting up from a lying position. Getting up slowly should help. If this becomes too troublesome ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking triamterene.
• If you have diabetes triamterene may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.
• Triamterene may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds and use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can Triamterene cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome

Tummy upset, dry mouth, skin rash, light-headedness, dry mouth or muscle cramps.

Triamterene may colour your urine blue. This is completely harmless and should be no cause for concern.

Triamterene can occasionally cause you to lose too much sodium from the body. The correct balance of sodium is essential for good health. Severe sickness and diarrhoea may increase your chances of sodium loss.

Signs of excessive sodium loss are confusion, convulsions (fits), difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps and unusual tiredness or weakness. If you experience this contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Triamterene

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/07/2005