Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to reduce fluid retention (edema) and help control blood pressure. It works in the distal renal tubule to block sodium reabsorption and decrease potassium loss, often paired with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in fixed-dose combinations such as Dyazide or Maxzide. Clinically, it’s valuable for edema from heart failure, cirrhosis, and certain kidney conditions, and as an adjunct in hypertension when hypokalemia is a concern. Because triamterene can raise potassium, careful monitoring is essential—especially with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium supplements. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee offers a legal, structured pathway to obtain triamterene even if you don’t have a prior prescription.
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess fluid while conserving potassium. Clinicians commonly use it to treat edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, and certain renal disorders. Because it is relatively mild as a diuretic and protects against potassium loss, it is often paired with a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to enhance fluid removal while balancing electrolytes.
In hypertension, triamterene is typically used as an adjunct, most often in fixed-dose combinations with HCTZ (for example, Dyazide or Maxzide). This combination can improve blood pressure control while mitigating thiazide-induced hypokalemia. Triamterene is not a first-line therapy for blood pressure on its own, but it can be valuable when low potassium has limited thiazide tolerability. It is not intended for rapid diuresis in emergent situations; instead, it contributes to steady control of fluid status and blood pressure over time.
Always follow your clinician’s guidance. Typical adult dosing for triamterene monotherapy in edema is 50–100 mg twice daily, taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Some patients may use 100–200 mg daily in divided doses, with a common maximum around 300 mg per day. Because potassium retention is dose-related, the lowest effective dose should be used, and electrolytes should be checked periodically, especially after changes in dose or other medications.
For hypertension or edema, triamterene is frequently prescribed in a fixed-dose combination with hydrochlorothiazide: 37.5/25 mg or 75/50 mg once daily. Your clinician may adjust the strength based on blood pressure, edema control, kidney function, and potassium levels. Take the dose earlier in the day to minimize nocturia (nighttime urination); if taking twice daily, use late afternoon rather than bedtime for the second dose. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless your clinician specifically approves them.
Triamterene can increase serum potassium, sometimes sharply. Hyperkalemia risk rises with reduced kidney function, dehydration, diabetes, advanced age, or when combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, direct renin inhibitors (aliskiren), potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or other potassium-sparing agents. Your care team may schedule lab checks (potassium, sodium, creatinine) after initiation and dose changes, and periodically thereafter.
Use caution if you have a history of kidney stones—triamterene can rarely crystallize and contribute to nephrolithiasis. Report severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, palpitations, or decreased urination promptly. Patients with liver disease, gout or hyperuricemia, or folate deficiency require special attention. In pregnancy or breastfeeding, the decision to use triamterene weighs potential benefits against limited safety data; consult your obstetric or pediatric provider. Avoid excessive heat exposure, dehydration, and alcohol overuse, all of which can exacerbate dizziness, hypotension, or kidney stress.
Do not use triamterene if you have hyperkalemia (high potassium), anuria (no urine output), significant or progressive renal impairment, or known hypersensitivity to triamterene. Concomitant use with other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, eplerenone) or with potassium supplements/salt substitutes is generally contraindicated due to the high risk of dangerous hyperkalemia.
Avoid use in uncontrolled Addison’s disease or other conditions with baseline high potassium. The triamterene/HCTZ combination is also inappropriate for patients with true thiazide/sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Severe hepatic dysfunction warrants extreme caution and specialist oversight. When in doubt, an individualized risk–benefit assessment is essential before starting therapy.
Common side effects include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mild nausea, stomach upset, and fatigue—often improving as your body adjusts. Increased urination is expected. Some patients experience photosensitivity or a mild skin rash. Laboratory changes can include modest increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine and alterations in sodium and potassium.
Serious but less common adverse effects include hyperkalemia (which may cause muscle weakness, paresthesias, slow or irregular heartbeat), kidney stone formation, acute kidney injury, hyponatremia, and dehydration. Rare hematologic effects such as megaloblastic anemia (related to folate metabolism), thrombocytopenia, or leukopenia can occur, particularly in patients with advanced liver disease or nutritional deficiencies. Report signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes immediately. If you develop fainting, chest pain, or a heart rhythm disturbance, seek emergency care.
Triamterene’s most clinically important interactions involve medications that raise potassium or impair kidney function. Combining with ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan), aliskiren, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or other potassium-sparing diuretics markedly increases hyperkalemia risk. Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine), heparin, and trimethoprim (alone or in TMP‑SMX) can also elevate potassium.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin may blunt diuretic effect, reduce kidney blood flow, and further increase potassium. Concomitant lithium can lead to lithium accumulation and toxicity; avoid or monitor closely. Diuretic-induced electrolyte shifts can heighten arrhythmia risk with digoxin, so monitoring is prudent. Tell your clinician about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements you take—including herbal mixtures and sports nutrition products—before starting triamterene.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to “catch up,” as this can increase the risk of dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and side effects. Set reminders to support consistent daytime dosing.
Signs of overdose can include pronounced weakness, dizziness or fainting, severe nausea or vomiting, confusion, decreased urination, and heart rhythm changes from hyperkalemia. This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services and contact Poison Control (in the U.S., 1‑800‑222‑1222) right away. Do not attempt to self-treat. In a clinical setting, management may include cardiac monitoring, intravenous therapies to shift or remove potassium, and careful fluid/electrolyte correction. Because dialysis does not effectively clear triamterene, supportive measures are central to care.
Store triamterene at room temperature, ideally 68–77°F (20–25°C), protected from moisture and direct light. Keep tablets in the original, tightly closed container and do not store in the bathroom. Always keep out of reach of children and pets. If your medication expires or is no longer needed, use a take-back program or follow FDA guidance for safe disposal—do not flush unless specifically instructed.
In the United States, triamterene is an FDA‑regulated, prescription-only medicine. It is not lawful—or safe—to purchase it from unverified sources or to “self-prescribe.” However, you can buy Triamterene without prescription in the sense that you do not need to bring an existing script: HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee offers a legal, structured pathway that starts with an evaluation by a licensed clinician. If triamterene is appropriate for you, the clinician will authorize dispensing on-site or issue an e‑prescription to a trusted pharmacy.
This compliant model includes identity verification, a medical review (including kidney function and potassium risk), medication counseling, and follow-up planning. Many patients can secure same‑day access, with insurance coordination when applicable. This approach preserves safety and legal standards while removing the friction of finding an external prescriber. Avoid offshore or rogue online sellers that advertise “no exam, no prescription” purchases—these pose serious health and legal risks. For streamlined, supervised access aligned with U.S. regulations, contact HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee to schedule an evaluation.
1 Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to reduce fluid buildup (edema) and help treat high blood pressure. It blocks epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in the distal nephron of the kidney, causing the body to excrete sodium and water while conserving potassium, which lowers fluid volume with less risk of low potassium.
2 It is used for edema from conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disorders, and as part of therapy for hypertension. It’s commonly paired with a thiazide diuretic (such as hydrochlorothiazide) to improve blood pressure control while minimizing potassium loss.
3 Triamterene has mild blood pressure–lowering effects by itself. It is more often used in combination with other antihypertensives, especially thiazide diuretics, to enhance diuresis and maintain potassium.
4 Take it exactly as prescribed, usually once or twice daily with food to reduce stomach upset. Try to take doses at the same times each day, and earlier in the day to avoid nighttime urination. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless your clinician instructs you to.
5 Typical dosing is 50–100 mg twice daily (maximum 300 mg/day) when used alone. In fixed-dose combination tablets with hydrochlorothiazide, common strengths are triamterene 37.5–75 mg with HCTZ 25–50 mg taken once daily. Your dose depends on your condition, labs, and other medications.
6 Diuretic effects usually begin within a few hours of a dose, with peak effect later the same day. Blood pressure benefits may take days to weeks when used as part of a hypertension regimen.
7 Nausea, dizziness, headache, mild stomach upset, and increased urination are common. Lab changes can include increased potassium, creatinine, and uric acid. Most effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts.
8 Hyperkalemia (high potassium) is the most important risk. Call your clinician urgently for muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, palpitations, slow or irregular heartbeat, or tingling. Also seek help for severe dizziness, fainting, minimal urine output, severe stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction.
9 Do not use it if you have high potassium, anuria (no urine output), significant kidney failure, or are taking potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing agents unless directed by a specialist. Use caution in liver disease, diabetes, and in people with a history of kidney stones.
10 Yes, rarely. Triamterene can crystallize and contribute to kidney stone formation, especially in people with a history of stones or dehydration. Drinking adequate fluids and periodic monitoring can help reduce risk. If you develop severe flank pain or blood in urine, seek care.
11 Drugs that raise potassium increase risk of hyperkalemia: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, aliskiren, sacubitril/valsartan, drospirenone-containing contraceptives, heparin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and trimethoprim. NSAIDs can reduce kidney blood flow and blunt diuretic effect. Lithium levels may rise with diuretics. Always review your full medication list with your clinician.
12 Regular checks of serum potassium, creatinine, and eGFR are essential; sodium and bicarbonate are often monitored too. Your clinician may also check uric acid, especially if you have gout, and blood pressure and weight to assess response.
13 Triamterene is generally avoided in pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs risk; safer alternatives are often preferred. It may pass into breast milk. Discuss individualized risks and options with your obstetrician or pediatrician.
14 It is contraindicated in severe kidney impairment and in anuria due to high hyperkalemia risk. In milder kidney dysfunction, careful dose selection and close monitoring are essential. In liver disease (especially cirrhosis), use with caution and frequent labs because electrolyte shifts can be dangerous.
15 Avoid potassium supplements, salt substitutes with potassium, and very high–potassium diets unless specifically advised. Limit NSAIDs unless your clinician approves. Stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol excess, which can worsen dizziness or dehydration.
16 If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s near time for the next dose; never double up. Overdose can cause severe hyperkalemia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or heart rhythm changes—seek emergency care and bring your medication list.
17 Both are potassium-sparing diuretics that block ENaC in the distal nephron, causing mild diuresis and potassium conservation. Amiloride is renally excreted largely unchanged; triamterene is hepatically metabolized. Both can cause hyperkalemia, especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
18 Both effectively counter thiazide-induced hypokalemia. Choice often depends on clinician preference, patient-specific factors, availability, and tolerance. Amiloride is favored by some due to a lower kidney stone risk, while triamterene is commonly available in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide.
19 Triamterene has a higher (though still uncommon) risk of kidney stone formation due to drug crystallization. Amiloride is not typically associated with stone formation, making it attractive for patients with a stone history.
20 Triamterene is often dosed 50–100 mg twice daily, with onset in a few hours. Amiloride is typically 5–10 mg once daily (sometimes divided), also with onset within hours. Both have mild natriuretic effects and are used adjunctively rather than as sole antihypertensives.
21 Triamterene blocks ENaC directly; spironolactone blocks aldosterone at the mineralocorticoid receptor. Spironolactone has proven benefits in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and in primary aldosteronism, and it’s more potent for resistant hypertension. Triamterene is used mainly to conserve potassium and augment diuresis.
22 Spironolactone is preferred. It reduces morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and treats hyperaldosteronism. Triamterene does not have outcome data in these settings and is not a substitute for aldosterone antagonism.
23 Both can cause hyperkalemia and increased creatinine. Spironolactone can cause endocrine effects (gynecomastia, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities) due to hormonal receptor binding; triamterene does not, but it carries a rare kidney stone risk. Choice depends on indication and patient priorities.
24 Eplerenone, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, is used for heart failure after myocardial infarction and for resistant hypertension when spironolactone isn’t tolerated. It has fewer endocrine side effects than spironolactone but similar hyperkalemia risk. Triamterene is preferred when the goal is mild diuresis and potassium conservation with a thiazide.
25 Both require close monitoring of potassium and kidney function. Eplerenone is a CYP3A4 substrate and interacts with strong inhibitors (like ketoconazole, clarithromycin) and certain HIV/HCV drugs; dose adjustments or avoidance may be needed. Triamterene has fewer CYP-mediated interactions but shares additive hyperkalemia risks with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, aliskiren, and potassium supplements.
26 Finerenone is a newer, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used to reduce kidney and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. It is not used primarily as a diuretic. Triamterene is a diuretic for edema and hypertension adjunct therapy. Both can raise potassium and require lab monitoring; finerenone has specific eGFR and potassium thresholds and CYP3A4 interaction concerns.
27 Amiloride is generally preferred for Liddle syndrome and lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus because it directly blocks ENaC with supportive evidence in these conditions. Triamterene also blocks ENaC but is less commonly used for these specific indications due to limited data and its stone risk.