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Triamterene Information
is a potassium-sparing diuretic
(i.e., it inhibits the urinary excretion of potassium). Diuretics increase urinary water loss
from the body and are used to treat high blood
pressure, congestive heart failure, and
some kidney or liver conditions. is available as a single agent and in combination
products.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Calcium*
Folic acid*
|
| May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Folic acid
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Buchu
Cleavers
Dandelion
Gravel root
Horsetail
Juniper
Magnesium
Potassium
Uva ursi
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Sodium
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
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| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
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An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Triamterene Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Calcium
A review of the research literature indicates that triamterene may increase calcium
loss.1 The importance of this information is unclear.
Folic
acid
is a weak folic acid antagonist that has been associated with folic
acid-deficiency anemia in people already at risk for folic acid deficiency.2
However, people treated long term with triamterene, without additional risk for folic acid
deficiency, were found to have normal folic acid levels and no signs of folic acid
deficiency.3 The use of
multivitamin supplements containing folic acid appears to diminish the occurrence of birth defects associated with triamterene.
According to one study,4 pregnant
women who took folic acid–containing multivitamin supplements in addition to their
prescription drugs had fewer babies with heart defects and deformities of the upper lip and
mouth.
One study showed that people taking diuretics for more than six months had dramatically
lower blood levels of folic acid and higher levels of homocysteine compared with individuals not taking
diuretics.5 Homocysteine, a toxic amino acid byproduct, has been associated with atherosclerosis. Until further information is
available, people taking diuretics for longer than six months should probably supplement with
folic acid.
Magnesium
Preliminary research in animals suggests that triamterene may inhibit the urinary excretion of
magnesium.6 It is unknown if this same effect would occur in humans. Persons taking
more than 300 mg of magnesium per day and triamterene should consult with a doctor as this
combination may lead to potentially dangerous increases in the level of magnesium in the body.
The combination of triamterene and
hydrochlorothiazide would likely eliminate this problem, as hydrochlorothiazide may
deplete magnesium.
Potassium
As a potassium-sparing drug, triamterene reduces urinary loss of potassium, which can lead to
elevated potassium levels.7 People taking triamterene should avoid potassium
supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (Morton Salt Substitute®, No
Salt®, Lite Salt®, and others) and even high-potassium foods (primarily fruit). Doctors should monitor potassium blood levels
in patients taking triamterene to prevent problems associated with elevated potassium
levels.
Sodium
Diuretics, including triamterene, cause
increased loss of sodium in the urine. By removing sodium from the body, diuretics also cause
water to leave the body. This reduction of body water is the purpose of taking diuretics.
Therefore, there is usually no reason to replace lost sodium, although strict limitation of
salt intake in combination with the actions of diuretics can sometimes cause excessive sodium
depletion. On the other hand, people who restrict
sodium intake and in the process reduce blood pressure may need to have their dose of
diuretics lowered. People taking tri
Triamterene Interactions with Herbs
Diuretic herbs
Herbs that have a diuretic effect should be avoided when taking diuretic medications, as they
may enhance the effect of these drugs and lead to possible cardiovascular side effects. These
herbs include dandelion, uva ursi,
juniper, buchu, cleavers,
horsetail, and gravel root.8
Triamterene Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
is best taken after meals to avoid stomach upset.9
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Review Date: 10/23/2007
Medication: Triamterene -  - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 37.5 / 25 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Headache, Dry Mouth, Rapid Heartbeat, Loss of Energy, Increased Irritability
Other Products Taken: Klonopin, Synthroid
I felt better with my high blood pressure (250/80 prior to taking Triamterene) than I did after I took it. It has horrible side effects.
Anonymous
US
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Pressur-Lo™ by Futurebiotics
"My blood pressure was around 145/89, not too high for a 40 year old. After taking Pressur-Lo for about 2-3 months my blood pressure went dow..." |
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
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disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on
the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the
company.
Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.
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