Triamterene capsules

What is this medicine?

TRIAMTERENE (trye AM ter een) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat edema or swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease. It is also used to treat patients who make too much aldosterone or have low potassium.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine after a meal to reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• black or tarry stools

• lower back or side pain

• muscle pain or cramps

• numbness, tingling in hands or feet

• trouble breathing

• trouble passing urine

• unusual bleeding

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir

• eplerenone

• potassium supplements

• tranylcypromine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan

• dofetilide

• lithium

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other diuretics

• penicillin G potassium

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high blood level of potassium

• kidney disease or trouble making urine

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to triamterene, other diuretics, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

If you are diabetic, this medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor or health care professional before you change the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.