Applies to triamterene: oral capsules, oral fixed-dose combination formulations.
Warning
- Hyperkalemia (i.e., serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L) may occur with all potassium-sparing agents, including triamterene.b c d More likely to occur in patients with renal impairment and diabetes (even without evidence of renal impairment), and in geriatric or severely ill patients or those receiving prolonged therapy with large doses.a b c d
- Uncorrected hyperkalemia may be fatal; monitor serum potassium concentrations at frequent intervals especially during initial therapy, after dosage adjustment, or in patients with concurrent illness that may affect renal function.b c d
Side effects include:
Hyperkalemia, azotemia, increased BUN and creatinine, renal calculi, jaundice and/or liver enzyme abnormalities, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, dry mouth.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to triamterene: compounding powder, oral capsule.
Gastrointestinal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
Rare (less than 0.1%): Photosensitivity reactions, pseudoporphyria[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypovolemia[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Blue fluorescence of the urine under certain light conditions[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, pancytopenia[Ref]
Hepatic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Jaundice and/or liver enzyme abnormalities[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, photosensitivity[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Hyperkalemia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperuricemia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis[Ref]
Nervous system
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache
Rare (less than 0.1%): Dizziness[Ref]
Other
Rare (less than 0.1%): Weakness, fatigue, serum sickness[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevation of serum creatinine, transient renal insufficiency
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Interstitial nephritis, urinary stones, azotemia, elevated BUN and creatinine, renal stones, acute interstitial nephritis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal failure[Ref]
