GENERIC NAME: TRIAMTERENE - ORAL (try-AM-TER-een)
BRAND NAME(S): Dyrenium
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
- Hyperkalemia - Learn about hyperkalemia, a condition caused by abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, and tingling sensations. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment options are also included in the information.
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