Triamterene Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 19, 2024.

Applies to triamterene: oral capsule.

Serious side effects of Triamterene

Along with its needed effects, triamterene may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking triamterene:

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• agitation
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• convulsions
• cough
• dark urine
• decreased urine output
• depression
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting spells
• fast or irregular heartbeats
• fever
• headache
• hives
• hostility
• increased thirst
• irritability
• itching
• joint pain
• lethargy
• loss of appetite
• loss of consciousness
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• muscle twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pain in the groin or genitals
• pain in the lower back or side
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• rapid or unusual weight gain
• seizures
• sharp back pain just below the ribs
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, feet, or hands
• tightness in the chest
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of blood
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking triamterene:

Symptoms of overdose

• Blurred vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• indigestion
• pain or weakness in the hands or feet
• passing of gas
• stomach fullness or discomfort
• sweating
• trembling

Other side effects of Triamterene

Some side effects of triamterene may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• severe sunburn

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]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer