Triamterene 50 mg 100 mg

What is Triamterene?

Triamterene is a potassium sparing diuretic used to reduce fluid buildup and support blood pressure control. It is often prescribed for swelling in the legs or ankles due to conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or certain kidney issues, and it can be used with other blood pressure medicines when extra fluid removal is needed. Unlike stronger loop diuretics, triamterene provides a gentler diuretic effect while helping the body retain potassium. Many patients take it together with hydrochlorothiazide in a fixed dose combination because the two medicines complement each other. Capsule and tablet strengths commonly include 50 mg and 100 mg for triamterene alone, and 37.5 mg or 75 mg of triamterene paired with hydrochlorothiazide in combination products.

People appreciate that triamterene is designed to limit potassium loss that can cause muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat. It is not a cure for the underlying cause of edema, but by helping the kidneys excrete extra salt and water, it can ease tight shoes, reduce morning puffiness, and make walking or climbing stairs more comfortable. Some patients look for cheap generic triamterene or buy refills online from licensed pharmacies to manage costs, but dosing changes and safety monitoring should always be directed by a clinician.

How It Works

Triamterene blocks epithelial sodium channels in the distal nephron, mainly the late distal tubule and the collecting duct. By reducing sodium reabsorption in these segments, it decreases the electrical gradient that normally drives potassium into the urine. The result is mild diuresis with retention of potassium. When used alongside a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide, total salt and water removal improves while the tendency to lower potassium is reduced. This pairing explains why many patients receive a combination tablet when a single agent is not enough.

After a dose, onset of effect typically occurs within a few hours, with the diuretic action lasting through the day depending on the schedule. Because it is potassium sparing, the main safety focus is avoiding overly high potassium, especially in people with reduced kidney function or those taking other medicines that raise potassium. Regular blood tests help strike the right balance so you feel lighter and less swollen without risking electrolyte problems.

Dosage Information

Dosing is individualized based on the cause of edema, kidney function, blood pressure targets, and response. Common adult doses for triamterene alone are 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg twice daily. In fixed dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide, typical options include 37.5 mg triamterene with 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily, or 75 mg triamterene with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily. Your clinician may adjust up or down after reviewing symptoms, blood pressure logs, weight trends, and lab results for potassium and creatinine.

• How to take: Swallow tablets or capsules with water at the same time each day. Taking in the morning helps avoid nighttime trips to the bathroom. Some people split twice daily schedules into morning and mid afternoon to limit sleep disruption.
• With food: You may take triamterene with or without food. If you notice stomach upset, a small meal can help.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Self monitoring: Weigh yourself at the same time each morning after using the bathroom. Rapid weight gain, for example two to three pounds in a day or five pounds in a week, can signal fluid retention and should prompt a call to your care team.

People who buy triamterene online should match the exact strength on the prescription, check the imprint and color on delivery, and make sure the label lists a United States licensed pharmacy with phone support. Cheap generic options are reasonable when they meet these standards and include a clear patient information leaflet.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate triamterene well, especially when labs are checked regularly. Common effects include mild dizziness, dry mouth, increased urination, or stomach discomfort early in therapy. These often improve as your body adapts. Because triamterene is potassium sparing, the key risk is hyperkalemia, which can present as muscle weakness, tingling, or an irregular heartbeat. If you notice these symptoms, seek care promptly.

What to watch for

• Potassium changes: High potassium can be silent at first. Routine blood tests are essential, especially after dose changes or when adding other medicines that affect potassium.
• Kidney effects: Lab tests may show changes in creatinine. Report decreased urine output, new swelling, or sudden weight gain.
• Stomach and skin: Nausea, vomiting, or rash can occur. Rarely, triamterene crystals can contribute to kidney stones. Staying hydrated and reporting persistent flank pain can help detect issues early.
• Dizziness: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions, particularly during hot weather or when starting therapy.

Call your clinician or urgent care for severe muscle weakness, palpitations, fainting, black or bloody stools, or persistent vomiting. These signs can indicate problems that need immediate evaluation.

Warnings & Interactions

Do not use triamterene if you have severe kidney disease, anuria, or preexisting high potassium unless a specialist is closely supervising your care. Use caution in people with diabetes, liver disease, or a history of kidney stones. This medicine is not a substitute for dietary guidance. Avoid high potassium salt substitutes and large amounts of potassium rich foods if your labs trend high.

Drug interactions

• ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Lisinopril, enalapril, losartan, valsartan, and similar agents can raise potassium when combined with triamterene. Lab monitoring is required.
• Potassium supplements and other potassium sparing diuretics: Spironolactone, eplerenone, and amiloride should not be stacked with triamterene without specialist oversight due to hyperkalemia risk.
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce kidney blood flow and blunt diuretic effect. They may also increase potassium. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time if needed and inform your clinician.
• Aliskiren and trimethoprim: These can raise potassium and require caution and lab checks.
• Lithium: Diuretics can alter lithium levels. Coordinate care and monitor closely if both are prescribed.

Monitoring plan

Before starting, many clinicians obtain baseline potassium, creatinine, and sometimes magnesium. Recheck potassium and creatinine within one to two weeks after initiation or dose change, then at intervals based on stability and risk factors. People with chronic kidney disease or those on multiple agents that affect potassium may need more frequent checks.

Daily habits that help

Weigh daily, limit added salt, and stay hydrated unless your clinician advises fluid restriction. Choose supportive footwear to reduce ankle strain, elevate legs in the evening, and schedule short walks to encourage circulation. If cost or access is a barrier, ask about generic triamterene or combination tablets with hydrochlorothiazide, and consider licensed options to buy refills online to reduce monthly expense. Never change your dose or stop suddenly without guidance. If you experience rapid swelling, chest discomfort, severe shortness of breath, or signs of very high potassium, seek urgent care.