Triamterene (2,4,7-triamino-6-phenylpteridine) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is used in the management of hypertension. It works by promoting the excretion of sodium ions and water while decreasing the potassium excretion in the distal part of the nephron in the kidneys by working on the lumenal side.[A177985] Since it acts on the distal nephron where only a small fraction of sodium ion reabsorption occurs, triamterene is reported to have limited diuretic efficacy.[T28] Due to its effects on increased serum potassium levels, triamterene is associated with a risk of producing hyperkalemia. Triamterene is a weak antagonist of folic acid, and a photosensitizing drug.[L6163] Triamterene was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. in 1964.[L6163] Currently, triamterene is used in the treatment of edema associated with various conditions as monotherapy and is approved for use with other diuretics to enhance diuretic and potassium-sparing effects.[L6166] It is also found in a combination product with hydrochlorothiazide that is used for the management of hypertension or treatment of edema in patients who develop hypokalemia on hydrochlorothiazide alone.
Synonyms
Triamterenum
6-phenylpteridine-2,4,7-triamine
Triamterena
Triamtereno
Triamteren
Teridin
Triamtérène
Triamterene
Brand Names
Triamterene hydrochlorothiazide
Riva-zide 50/25mg Tablets
Maxzide-25
Dyazide Tab
Dyrenium 100
Pro-triazide
Triamterene
Dyrenium 50
Maxzide
Nu-triazide Tab 50 Mg/25 mg
Teva-triamterene/hctz
Dyrenium
Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide
Penta-triamterene Hctz Tablets
Dyazide
Apo Triazide
Indication
Triamterene is indicated for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and the nephrotic syndrome; also in steroid-induced edema, idiopathic edema, and edema due to secondary hyperaldosteronism.[L6166] Triamterene in combination with hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for the managment of hypertension or treatment of edema in patients who develop hypokalemia following hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy, and in patients who require thiazide diuretic and in whom the development of hypokalemia cannot be risked.[L6169] Triamterene allows the maintenance of potassium balance when given in combination with loop diuretics and thiazides.[T28]
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682
