Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TRIAMTERENE - ORAL

(try-AM-TER-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dyrenium

WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, very high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat.

Uses

This drug is a "water pill" (diuretic). It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure and to treat fluid retention (edema).

How To Use

Take with food or milk or after meals to minimize stomach upset. Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose right before bedtime. This medication may increase your potassium levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium-containing products such as salt substitutes or potassium supplements. Ask about eating potassium-containing foods (e.g., bananas, potatoes).

Side Effects

This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lack of energy and dry mouth. Notify your doctor if these effects persist or worsen. This medication may also increase sensitivity to the sun. Inform your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeat, tingling/numbness of hands or feet, difficulty urinating, fever, chills, rash, sore throat, mouth sores, severe back pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: electrolyte/mineral imbalances (e.g., high potassium levels), diabetes, kidney or liver problems, urinary problems, any allergies. If this medication makes you sun-sensitive, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if triamterene is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: lithium, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, lisinopril), indomethacin (or other NSAIDs), potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It may harm them.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double- up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).