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$Title{TRIAMTERENE}
$Subject{Dyrenium (Smith Kline & French)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRIAMTERENE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Dyrenium (Smith Kline & French)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     triamterene
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     Triamterene should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Triamterene is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also used
to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some
medications.  Triamterene reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the
elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.  It may also be used in
combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take triamterene with a glass of
milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try to
take it at the same time(s) every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased thirst,
increased urination, nausea, tiredness, upset stomach, or vomiting.  As your
body adjusts to triamterene, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps
while you are taking this medication.  Wear protective clothing, and use an
effective sunscreen.
     Triamterene may cause the urine to turn bluish; this is a harmless side
effect.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on ice chips or a piece of hard
candy or by chewing sugarless gum.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; back or flank (side) pain; confusion; cracking at the corners of the
mouth; difficulty in breathing; extreme weakness; fever; mouth sores; numbness
or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; painful urination; palpitations;
rash; a red or inflamed tongue; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; or
unusual tiredness.

INTERACTIONS

     Triamterene interacts with several foods and medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with spironolactone, amiloride, potassium salts,
low-salt milk, salt substitutes, captopril, enalapril, or laxatives can cause
serious side effects from hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the
blood).
     2. Triamterene may decrease the effectiveness of antigout medications,
insulin, and oral antidiabetic medications.
     3. It may increase the side effects of lithium.
     4. Indomethacin may decrease the diuretic effects of triamterene.
     Before starting to take triamterene, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Before starting to take triamterene, be sure to tell your doctor if you
have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to any medications, especially to
triamterene or to any other diuretic.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease, kidney stones, urination problems, hyperkalemia, diabetes mellitus,
liver disease, acidosis, or gout.
     * Triamterene can cause hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).
Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations; confusion; numbness or tingling in
the hands, feet, or lips; anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness.  In order
to avoid this problem, do not alter your diet, and do not use salt substitutes
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
     * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this drug to
prevent dizziness and light-headedness.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for
weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless
you first check with your doctor.  Some of these products can lead to an
increase in blood pressure.
     * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * If you are taking quinidine (an antiarrhythmia heart medication), it is
important to know that triamterene may interfere with the laboratory
determination of your blood quinidine concentration.  Before you undergo such
a test, be sure to tell your doctor that you are also taking the drug
triamterene.
     * Your doctor may schedule regular office visits to monitor your progress
and possibly adjust your dosage.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug crosses the
placenta, and its safety in human pregnancy has not been established.  Adverse
effects have been reported in the fetuses of animals that received large doses
of this drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of triamterene pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
