Skip to main content

Triamterene (Monograph)

Brand name: Dyrenium
Drug class: Potassium-sparing Diuretics
VA class: CV704
CAS number: 396-01-0

Triamterene is also contained as an ingredient in the following combinations:
Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 19, 2023. Written by ASHP.

Warning

  • Hyperkalemia (i.e., serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L) may occur with all potassium-sparing agents, including triamterene. 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.

  • 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.

Introduction

Potassium-sparing diuretic; pteridine derivative.

Uses for Triamterene

Edema

Management of edema associated with heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or nephrotic syndrome.

Management of steroid-induced edema, idiopathic edema, and edema caused by secondary hyperaldosteronism.

May be used alone but most valuable when used in combination with other diuretics to promote diuresis and/or decrease potassium excretion caused by kaliuretic diuretics.

May be particularly useful in patients excreting excessive amounts of potassium (especially those who cannot tolerate potassium supplements) and for those in whom potassium loss could be detrimental, such as patients receiving digitalis glycosides or those with myasthenia gravis.

Promotes increased diuresis in patients resistant or only partially responsive to thiazides or other diuretics because of secondary hyperaldosteronism.

May be effective in some patients unresponsive to spironolactone; unlike spironolactone, diuretic effect of triamterene is independent of aldosterone concentrations.

Used in fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide for treatment of edema in patients who require a thiazide diuretic and in whom the development of hypokalemia cannot be risked and in patients who develop hypokalemia during hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy.

Do not use for routine therapy in pregnant women with mild edema who are otherwise healthy.

Heart Failure

In the management of edema associated with heart failure, generally used in conjunction with other more effective, rapidly acting diuretics (e.g., thiazides, chlorthalidone, loop diuretics). Some patients resistant to triamterene monotherapy may respond to such combined therapy.

Most experts state that all patients with symptomatic heart failure who have evidence for, or a history of, fluid retention generally should receive diuretic therapy in conjunction with moderate sodium restriction, an agent to inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system (e.g., ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor antagonist, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor [ARNI]), a β-adrenergic blocking agent (β-blocker), and in selected patients, an aldosterone antagonist.

Most experts state that the diuretics of choice for most patients with heart failure are loop diuretics (e.g., bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, torsemide).

Hypertension

Has been used alone or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive agents in the management of hypertension [off-label]; however, other agents (i.e., ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, calcium-channel blockers, thiazide diuretics) are preferred for initial management according to current evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of hypertension in adults.

Triamterene alone has little if any hypotensive effect, but may be used with another diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) or antihypertensive agent in the management of mild to moderate hypertension. Used principally in patients with diuretic-induced hypokalemia or to prevent hypokalemia in patients receiving diuretics who are at risk of this adverse effect.

Used in fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide for treatment of hypertension in patients who require a thiazide diuretic and in whom the development of hypokalemia cannot be risked and in patients who develop hypokalemia during hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy.

Triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide fixed combination may be used as an adjunct to other antihypertensive drugs (e.g., β-blockers).

Individualize choice of therapy; consider patient characteristics (e.g., age, ethnicity/race, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk) as well as drug-related factors (e.g., ease of administration, availability, adverse effects, cost).

A 2017 ACC/AHA multidisciplinary hypertension guideline classifies BP in adults into 4 categories: normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. (See Table 1.)

Source: Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2018;71:e13-115.

Individuals with SBP and DBP in 2 different categories (e.g., elevated SBP and normal DBP) should be designated as being in the higher BP category (i.e., elevated BP).

Table 1. ACC/AHA BP Classification in Adults1200

Category

SBP (mm Hg)

DBP (mm Hg)

Normal

<120

and

<80

Elevated

120–129

and

<80

Hypertension, Stage 1

130–139

or

80–89

Hypertension, Stage 2

≥140

or

≥90

The goal of hypertension management and prevention is to achieve and maintain optimal control of BP. However, the BP thresholds used to define hypertension, the optimum BP threshold at which to initiate antihypertensive drug therapy, and the ideal target BP values remain controversial.

The 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline generally recommends a target BP goal (i.e., BP to achieve with drug therapy and/or nonpharmacologic intervention) of <130/80 mm Hg in all adults regardless of comorbidities or level of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. In addition, an SBP goal of <130 mm Hg generally is recommended for noninstitutionalized ambulatory patients ≥65 years of age with an average SBP of ≥130 mm Hg. These BP goals are based upon clinical studies demonstrating continuing reduction of cardiovascular risk at progressively lower levels of SBP.

Other hypertension guidelines generally have based target BP goals on age and comorbidities. Guidelines such as those issued by the JNC 8 expert panel generally have targeted a BP goal of <140/90 mm Hg regardless of cardiovascular risk, and have used higher BP thresholds and target BPs in elderly patients compared with those recommended by the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline.

Some clinicians continue to support previous target BPs recommended by JNC 8 due to concerns about the lack of generalizability of data from some clinical trials (e.g., SPRINT study) used to support the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline and potential harms (e.g., adverse drug effects, costs of therapy) versus benefits of BP lowering in patients at lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Consider potential benefits of hypertension management and drug cost, adverse effects, and risks associated with the use of multiple antihypertensive drugs when deciding a patient's BP treatment goal.

For decisions regarding when to initiate drug therapy (BP threshold), the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline incorporates underlying cardiovascular risk factors. ASCVD risk assessment is recommended by ACC/AHA for all adults with hypertension.

ACC/AHA currently recommend initiation of antihypertensive drug therapy in addition to lifestyle/behavioral modifications at an SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg in adults who have no history of cardiovascular disease (i.e., primary prevention) and a low ASCVD risk (10-year risk <10%).

For secondary prevention in adults with known cardiovascular disease or for primary prevention in those at higher risk for ASCVD (10-year risk ≥10%), ACC/AHA recommend initiation of antihypertensive drug therapy at an average SBP ≥130 mm Hg or an average DBP ≥80 mm Hg.

Adults with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, CKD, or age ≥65 years are assumed to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease; ACC/AHA state that such patients should have antihypertensive drug therapy initiated at a BP ≥130/80 mm Hg. Individualize drug therapy in patients with hypertension and underlying cardiovascular or other risk factors.

In stage 1 hypertension, experts state that it is reasonable to initiate drug therapy using the stepped-care approach in which one drug is initiated and titrated and other drugs are added sequentially to achieve the target BP. Initiation of antihypertensive therapy with 2 first-line agents from different pharmacologic classes recommended in adults with stage 2 hypertension and average BP >20/10 mm Hg above BP goal.

Triamterene Dosage and Administration

General

Monitoring and BP Treatment Goals

Administration

Oral Administration

Capsules: Administer orally twice daily after meals.

Fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide tablets or capsules: Administer orally once daily.

Twice-daily administration of the fixed combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide may increase risk of electrolyte imbalance and renal dysfunction.

Dosage

Individualize dosage according to patient’s requirements and response.

If added to an existing antihypertensive regimen, initially reduce dosage of each antihypertensive agent and then individualize dosage according to patient’s requirements and response.

Abrupt discontinuance may result in rebound kaliuresis; taper dosage gradually.

For the management of fluid retention associated with heart failure, experts state that diuretics should be administered at a dosage sufficient to achieve optimal volume status and relieve congestion without inducing an excessively rapid reduction in intravascular volume, which could result in hypotension, renal dysfunction, or both.

Pediatric Patients

Usual Dosage† [off-label]
Oral

Initially, 2–4 mg/kg daily or 115 mg/m2 daily, given in a single dose or 2 divided doses after meals.

If necessary, increase dosage to 6 mg/kg daily. Do not exceed 300 mg daily.

Hypertension† [off-label]
Oral

Some experts have recommended an initial dosage of 1–2 mg/kg daily given in 2 divided doses after meals. Increase dosage as necessary up to 3–4 mg/kg daily given in 2 divided doses. Do not exceed 300 mg daily.

Adults

Edema
Triamterene Therapy
Oral

Initially, 100 mg twice daily after meals. After edema is controlled, usual maintenance dosage is 100 mg daily or every other day. Do not exceed 300 mg daily.

For management of fluid retention (e.g., edema) associated with heart failure, some experts recommend initiating triamterene at a low dosage (e.g., 50–75 mg twice daily) and increasing dosage (maximum 200 mg daily) until urine output increases and weight decreases, generally by 0.5–1 kg daily.

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral

When Dyazide, Maxzide or Maxzide-25 mg, or therapeutically equivalent formulations of these combinations are used, the usual dosage in terms of triamterene is 37.5–75 mg once daily.

Patients receiving 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide who become hypokalemic may be switched to Maxzide-25 mg (37.5 mg triamterene/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide).

Patients receiving 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide who become hypokalemic may be switched to Maxzide (75 mg triamterene/50 mg hydrochlorothiazide).

Patients who require hydrochlorothiazide and in whom hypokalemia cannot be risked may initiate therapy with Maxzide-25 mg (37.5 mg triamterene/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) daily.

Risk of electrolyte imbalance and renal dysfunction may be increased when triamterene 75 mg daily (with hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily) is administered in 2 divided doses rather than 1 daily dose.

Hypertension
Triamterene Therapy
Oral

Usually combined with a kaliuretic diuretic. Some experts state that the usual dosage range is 50–100 mg daily (given in 1 or 2 divided doses).

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral

When Dyazide, Maxzide or Maxzide-25 mg, or therapeutically equivalent formulations of these combinations are used, the usual dosage in terms of triamterene is 37.5–75 mg once daily.

Patients receiving 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide who become hypokalemic may be switched to Maxzide-25 mg (37.5 mg triamterene/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide).

Patients receiving 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide who become hypokalemic may be switched to Maxzide (75 mg triamterene/50 mg hydrochlorothiazide).

Patients who require hydrochlorothiazide and in whom hypokalemia cannot be risked may initiate therapy with Maxzide-25 mg (37.5 mg triamterene/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) daily.

If BP is not adequately controlled by use of 75 mg once daily (of triamterene in the fixed combination of triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide), another antihypertensive agent may be added.

Risk of electrolyte imbalance and renal dysfunction may be increased when triamterene 75 mg daily (with hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily) is administered in 2 divided doses rather than 1 daily dose.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Oral

Maximum 300 mg daily.

Adults

Oral

Maximum recommended by manufacturer: 300 mg daily.

Maximum total daily dose recommended by ACCF/AHA for management of fluid retention in heart failure: 200 mg.

The manufacturer states there is no clinical experience to date with dosages of fixed-combination Maxzide or Maxzide-25 mg exceeding 75 mg of triamterene and 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide daily.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations for hepatic impairment; caution if using fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide because of risk of precipitating hepatic coma. (See Contraindications under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations for renal impairment; do not use in patients with renal impairment and elevated serum potassium; discontinue in patients who develop hyperkalemia while on the drug. ((See Contraindications under Cautions.) and also see Hyperkalemia under Cautions.)

Cautions for Triamterene

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia (i.e., serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L) may occur with all potassium-sparing agents, including triamterene. (See Boxed Warning.) Serum potassium concentrations persistently >6 mEq/L require careful observation and treatment.

If hyperkalemia occurs, discontinue triamterene; if using a triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide fixed combination, switch to a thiazide alone.

Evaluate BUN and serum potassium concentrations regularly, especially in patients with suspected or confirmed renal insufficiency. Monitor serum potassium concentrations closely in geriatric and diabetic patients.

Warning signs of hyperkalemia include paresthesias, muscular weakness, fatigue, flaccid paralysis of the extremities, bradycardia, and shock.

Hyperkalemia has been associated with cardiac irregularities. Obtain ECG if hyperkalemia present or suspected. If ECG does not show widening of QRS or arrhythmia in the presence of hyperkalemia, usually sufficient to discontinue triamterene and any potassium supplementation and switch to a thiazide alone. May administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate to enhance excretion of excess potassium.

Presence of widened QRS complex or arrhythmia in association with hyperkalemia requires prompt additional therapy. For tachyarrhythmia, infuse 44 mEq of sodium bicarbonate or 10 mL of 10% calcium gluconate or calcium chloride over several minutes. For asystole, bradycardia, or AV block, transvenous pacing also is recommended. The effect of calcium and sodium bicarbonate is transient and repeated administration may be required. When indicated by the clinical situation, excess potassium may be removed by dialysis or oral or rectal administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Infusion of glucose and insulin has also been used to treat hyperkalemia.

Potassium Supplementation

Do not use potassium supplementation (e.g., potassium salts, high potassium diet, salt substitutes) in patients receiving triamterene alone. Discontinue potassium supplements when triamterene is added to existing diuretic therapy or when patients are switched to triamterene from other diuretics.

Do not use potassium supplementation with fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide except in severe cases of hypokalemia or if dietary intake of potassium is markedly impaired. Such concomitant therapy may be associated with rapid increases in serum potassium concentrations. Monitor serum potassium concentrations frequently if potassium supplementation is used, especially in patients receiving digitalis or with a history of cardiac arrhythmias. (See Interactions.)

If serious hypokalemia (serum potassium <3.0 mEq/L demonstrated by repeat serum potassium determinations) occurs in a patient receiving fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide, discontinue fixed combination and initiate potassium supplementation.

If hyperkalemia occurs in a patient receiving fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide and supplemental potassium therapy, discontinue supplementation and substitute a thiazide diuretic alone for fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide until potassium concentrations return to normal.

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, rash, photosensitivity) reported; monitor for blood dyscrasias, liver damage or other idiosyncratic reactions.

General Precautions

Use of Fixed Combinations

When triamterene is used in fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with hydrochlorothiazide.

Use during Pregnancy

Routine use of diuretics, including triamterene, in otherwise healthy women exposes mother and fetus to unnecessary risk and is not generally indicated. Diuretics do not prevent development of toxemia of pregnancy and do not appear to be beneficial in the treatment of toxemia.

Edema may develop during pregnancy due to comorbid pathology or the physiologic and mechanical consequences of pregnancy. Diuretic therapy may be appropriate in the management of edema due to a pathologic cause manifesting during pregnancy. However, dependent edema in pregnancy resulting from restriction of venous return by the gravid uterus may be treated by elevating the lower extremities and using support hose; diuretic therapy to lower intravascular volume is not appropriate in such cases.

Hypervolemia and associated edema, including generalized edema, occurs in the majority of pregnant women and is not harmful to fetus or mother. Increased recumbency will generally provide relief; however, edema may cause extreme discomfort which is not relieved by rest. Rarely, in such cases, a short course of diuretic therapy may be appropriate to provide relief.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance may worsen or develop during diuretic therapy, including triamterene. Risk of electrolyte imbalance is increased in patients with heart failure, renal disease, or cirrhosis. Full-dose diuretic therapy in patients on restricted salt intake may cause a low-salt syndrome.

Monitor serum electrolytes regularly.

Renal Effects

Elevations in BUN and/or Scr may occur, possibly secondary to a reversible reduction of GFR or a depletion of the intravascular fluid volume. May occur more frequently in patients receiving twice-daily dosing with fixed combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide.

Monitor BUN and Scr, especially in geriatric patients and those with suspected or confirmed hepatic or renal disease. If azotemia increases, discontinue fixed-combination triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide preparation.

Nitrogen Retention

May cause mild nitrogen retention, which is reversible upon drug discontinuance; seldom observed with intermittent (every-other-day) therapy.

Metabolic Acidosis

May cause a decreasing alkali reserve with the possibility of metabolic acidosis.

Avoid use of potassium-sparing diuretics in severely ill patients in whom respiratory or metabolic acidosis may occur; acidosis may result in rapid increases in serum potassium concentrations. Perform frequent assessments of acid-base balance and serum electrolytes.

Megaloblastosis

Triamterene is a weak folic acid antagonist and may contribute to the appearance of megaloblastosis, especially in patients with depleted folic acid stores (e.g., pregnant women, alcoholics). Patients with cirrhosis and splenomegaly may have marked hematologic abnormalities; these patients should have periodic blood studies and be observed for exacerbations of underlying liver disease.

Hyperuricemia

May cause elevations in serum uric acid concentrations, especially in patients predisposed to gouty arthritis.

Renal Calculi

Has been reported in renal calculi associated with usual calculus components. Manufacturers state that triamterene may be used with caution in patients with histories of renal calculi; however, some clinicians recommend that the drug not be used in these patients because of the risk of triamterene nephrolithiasis.

If a patient passes a urinary calculus during triamterene therapy, the drug should be discontinued and the calculus analyzed for the presence of triamterene and/or its metabolites.

Rebound Kaliuresis

Because triamterene conserves potassium, it has been suggested that patients who have received intensive therapy or have been given the drug for prolonged periods may develop a rebound kaliuresis if such therapy is discontinued abruptly. Discontinue drug gradually in such patients.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in animals and is likely to distribute into human milk. Discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients remain to be fully established for triamterene or triamterene in fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide; however, some experts have suggested a triamterene dosage for hypertension based on limited clinical experience.

Geriatric Use

Reduced clearance and increased risk of hyperkalemia; monitor serum potassium concentrations frequently. (See Hyperkalemia under Cautions.)

Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function. Do not use in patients with severe hepatic disease. Diuretic therapy in such patients should be initiated while the patient is hospitalized, because rapid alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. Monitor serum potassium concentrations closely in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and administer potassium supplementation if required. (See Contraindications under Cautions.)

Potassium loss has been reported during triamterene therapy in some patients with hepatic cirrhosis and may result in signs and symptoms of hepatic coma or precoma.

Patients with cirrhosis and splenomegaly may have marked hematologic abnormalities; these patients should have periodic blood studies and be observed for exacerbations of underlying liver disease. (See Megablastosis under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Use with caution; increased risk of hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium concentrations closely. Do not use in patients with renal impairment and elevated serum potassium; discontinue in patients who develop hyperkalemia while on the drug. (See Contraindications under Cautions and also see Hyperkalemia under Cautions.)

Common Adverse Effects

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.

Drug Interactions

Specific Drugs, Foods, and Laboratory Tests

Drug, Food, or Test

Interaction

Comments

ACE inhibitors

Increased risk of hyperkalemia

Use caution with concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy; monitor serum potassium concentrations frequently

Use potassium-sparing diuretics with great caution, if at all, in patients receiving an ACE inhibitor (e.g., enalapril) for heart failure

Discontinue or reduce dosage of potassium-sparing diuretics as necessary in patients receiving an ACE inhibitor

Anesthetic agents

Possible potentiation of anesthetic effects

Antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin, oral agents)

Possible increase in blood glucose concentration

Adjust dosage of antidiabetic agent during triamterene therapy and after discontinuance

Antihypertensive agents

Possible additive antihypertensive effects

Blood products

Increased risk of hyperkalemia

May promote potassium accumulation; plasma from blood bank may contain up to 30 mEq/L of potassium and whole blood may contain up to 65 mEq/L if stored for >10 days

Chlorpropamide

Possible increased risk of severe hyponatremia

Diuretics

Possible potentiation of diuretic effects

Diuretics, potassium-sparing (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, other fixed-dose combination formulations containing triamterene)

Increased risk of hyperkalemia; fatalities reported

Concomitant use contraindicated

Laxatives

Possible decreased potassium-retaining effects of triamterene

Chronic use or overuse of laxatives may reduce serum potassium concentrations by promoting excessive potassium loss from Gl tract

Lithium

Reduced renal clearance of lithium and increased risk of lithium toxicity

Concomitant use generally contraindicated; if concomitant therapy is necessary, monitor serum lithium concentrations closely and adjust dosage

Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents

Potential increase in neuromuscular blockade

NSAIAs (e.g., indomethacin)

Concomitant use with indomethacin may adversely affect renal function (e.g., decreased Clcr, acute anuric renal failure)

Concomitant use with indomethacin not recommended

Use caution with other concomitant NSAIAs

Preanesthetic agents

Possible potentiation of effects of preanesthetic agent

Potassium supplements, potassium-containing medications (e.g., parenteral penicillin G potassium) and/or foods containing potassium (e.g., salt substitutes, low-salt milk)

Increased risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal insufficiency

Concomitant use generally contraindicated

Tests, fluorometric (e.g., lactic dehydrogenase activity)

Possible interference due to pale blue fluorescence in urine

Tests, fluorometric assay for quinidine

Interferes with the fluorometric assay of quinidine; the two drugs have similar fluorescence spectra

Triamterene Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Triamterene and fixed combinations with hydrochlorothiazide are rapidly absorbed following oral administration; peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1–4 hours. Interindividual variation in degree of absorption reported.

Oral bioavailabilities of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide from Dyazide capsules are comparable to those of aqueous suspensions of the individual drugs, averaging 85 and 82%, respectively, for the fixed-dose formulation and 100 and 100%, respectively, for the suspensions. Dyazide capsules also are bioequivalent to single-entity 25-mg hydrochlorothiazide tablets and 37.5-mg triamterene capsules.

Oral bioavailabilities of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide from Maxzide tablets are comparable to those of aqueous suspensions of the individual drugs. The hydrochlorothiazide component of Maxzide tablets is bioequivalent to single-entity hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations.

Onset

Onset of diuresis following oral administration of triamterene usually occurs within 2–4 hours; maximum therapeutic effect may not occur until after several days of therapy.

Onset of diuresis after oral administration of Dyazide usually occurs within 1 hour and peaks at 2–3 hours.

Duration

After oral administration of triamterene, diuresis diminishes in approximately 7–9 hours, although the total duration of action may be ≥24 hours.

After oral administration of Dyazide, diuresis diminishes in approximately 7–9 hours.

Food

Administration of Dyazide with a high-fat meal in healthy adults increased the average bioavailabilities of triamterene, 6-p-hydroxytriamterene, and hydrochlorothiazide by about 67, 50, and 17%, respectively; increased the peak concentrations of triamterene and its p-hydroxy metabolite; and delayed absorption of the active drugs by up to 2 hours.

Administration with food does not affect absorption of triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide from Maxzide tablets.

Distribution

Extent

Distributed into bile.

Crosses the placenta and distributes into milk in animals.

Plasma Protein Binding

Approximately 67%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized to 6-p-hydroxytriamterene and its sulfate conjugate.

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine, primarily as 6-p-hydroxytriamterene.

Half-life

100–150 minutes.

Special Populations

Renal clearances of triamterene, hydroxytriamterene sulfate, and hydrochlorothiazide may be reduced in geriatric patients receiving combined triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide therapy, principally as a result of age-related reductions in renal function.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Capsules

Tight, light resistant containers at 15–30°C.

Fixed-dose Combination Formulations

Dyazide capsules: Tight, light resistant containers at 20–25°C.

Maxzide tablets: Tight, light resistant containers at 15–30°C.

Actions

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Triamterene

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Capsules

50 mg

Dyrenium

WellSpring

100 mg

Dyrenium

WellSpring

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide (Co-triamterzide)

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Capsules

37.5 mg Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg*

Dyazide

GlaxoSmithKline

Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide Capsules

Tablets

37.5 mg Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg*

Maxzide-25 (scored)

Mylan

Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

75 mg Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg*

Maxzide (scored)

Mylan

Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions April 29, 2019. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Reload page with references included