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Dyrenium

Generic name: triamterene [try-AM-teh-reen]
Drug class: potassium-sparing diuretics

What is Dyrenium?

Dyrenium, also known as a water pill, is a diuretic that does not contain potassium. It is used for treating fluid accumulation in patients with congestive cardiac failure or kidney conditions such as nephrotic syndrome. Dyrenium may also be prescribed to treat edema caused by taking too many steroids or an abundance of aldosterone. Aldosterone, a hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands, helps regulate the water and salt balance in your body. Dyrenium can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Dyrenium

If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, face, tongue or throat it is imperative that medical assistance be sought immediately.

Dyrenium can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:

  • Pale skin is prone to bleeding or bruising.

  • Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat

  • Jaundice refers to an abnormal yellowing of both skin and eyes.

  • Little or no urinating is acceptable.

  • Signs of kidney stones include sudden back or side pains, nausea, fever and chills as well as painful urination accompanied by red, pink or brown urine.

  • High potassium level: nausea, weakness, tingly sensation, chest pain, irregular pulse, loss of mobility

Side effects of dyrenium include:

  • Nausea, diarrhea;

  • Dizziness, headache;

  • Dry mouth

  • Feeling weak or tired?

There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact 1-800-FDA-1088 to report incidents.

Similar/related drugs

Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, Lasix, chlorthalidone, torsemide, and bumetanide

Warnings

Dyrenium should not be used if you suffer from severe kidney or hepatic disease or if your blood potassium levels are high. Dyrenium should not be taken if you are also taking potassium supplements or other diuretics like amiloride and spironolactone. If you experience any of the following symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as nausea or weakness, call your doctor immediately. People with diabetes, kidney disease, or severe illnesses are more likely to have high potassium.

Before you take this drug

Dyrenium should not be used if:

  • If you suffer from severe kidney disease and cannot urinate regularly, or are unable to urinate at all, treatment options should be explored immediately.

  • Severe liver disease

  • Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)

  • If you are taking potassium supplements or any other potassium-saving diuretic, such as amiloride, eplerenone, or spironolactone,

Tell your physician immediately of any of the following symptoms:

  • Diabetes;

  • Heart disease

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Gout;

  • Kidney stone.

Dyrenium can increase the risk of hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels in the blood. People with kidney disease or diabetes or those who are severely ill may have higher potassium levels. Do not use dyrenium if pregnant. The benefits of treating edema during pregnancy may outweigh any risks to the unborn baby. Dyrenium should not be used while breastfeeding. Dyrenium should only be consumed by individuals aged 18 or above. Children younger than the age of 18 should refrain from taking Dyrenium products.

How to take Dyrenium?

Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication, especially any dose changes issued by your healthcare provider. You must take it exactly as prescribed - even when that change may require additional dose adjustments. After eating, take dyrenium to prevent stomach upset. Diuretics can cause you to urinate more frequently, disrupting your sleep. Take dyrenium in the morning if you only take it once a day to avoid nighttime urination. You may require frequent medical tests. You may need to have your heart function checked with an ECG or electrocardiograph (also called an EKG). Tell your doctor that you are using Dyrenium. Dyrenium should be disclosed to any doctor you see. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you use Dyrenium. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rate, muscle weakness, or loss of mobility.

What should be avoided?

Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how dyrenium affects you. You may be unable to react properly. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Sunburns can be exacerbated by dyrenium. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher. Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor recommends them.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:

  • Any other diuretic

  • Lithium;

  • Insulin or oral diabetes medication;

  • Heart or blood pressure medication;

  • Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all NSAIDs.

This list is incomplete. Dyrenium may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.