Edema (fluid retention; extra fluid trapped in body tissues) brought on by a variety of illnesses, such as liver and heart disease, is treated with triamterene alone or in combination with other drugs. Triamterene belongs to the group of drugs known as diuretics, also known as “water pills”. Although it lessens potassium loss, it causes the kidneys to excrete more water and sodium from the body into the urine.

Triamterene is available as a pill to swallow. It is typically taken either twice daily, after breakfast and lunch, or once daily, after breakfast. It is preferable to take triamterene earlier in the day to prevent numerous restroom visits from disrupting your ability to sleep at night. Every day, take triamterene at around the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the triamterene directions precisely. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

To treat high blood pressure, triamterene is used in conjunction with other diuretics.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this medication should be used for something else.

Before taking triamterene,

• If you have an allergy to triamterene or any other drug, inform your doctor and pharmacist right away (Dyazide, Maxzide).
• If you are using amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or any other medications that contain triamterene, you should not take triamterene.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or intend to use. Make sure to mention ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace); medications for diabetes or high blood pressure; other diuretics; and potassium supplements. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. The dosage of your drugs may need to be adjusted, and your health may need to be closely watched for any negative effects.
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had diabetes, gout, kidney stones, or conditions affecting your heart, kidneys, or liver.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking triamterene. If you are using triamterene, you should not breastfeed.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking triamterene if you are getting surgery, including dental surgery.
• Plan to use protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen as well as to minimise excessive or prolonged sun exposure. Triamterene may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight.

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your meals, including those for a low-sodium (salt) diet and a regular exercise schedule. While using this medication, avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Discuss with your doctor how much potassium-rich food you consume, such as bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing regimen. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Triamterene could have undesirable effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache

Some adverse effects may be severe. Make a quick call to your doctor if you encounter any of the following signs:

• Spasms or a weakened muscle
• Sluggish or unpredictable heartbeat
• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Uneasy stomach
• Extreme fatigue
• Uncommon bruising or bleeding
• Not enough energy
• Reduced appetite
• Stomach ache in the top right corner
• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Flu-like signs
• Unwell throat
• Extremely dry mouth
• Significant bruising or bleeding

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Uneasy stomach
• Vomiting
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s reaction to triamterene, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.