Dyrenium

Brand Names

Dyrenium

What is Dyrenium

Dyrenium (triamterene) is a prescription medicine that refers to a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine, but reduces the loss of potassium. Dyrenium is effective for treating water retention (edema) due to various causes. It is usually used in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, another diuretic.

Side effects of Dyrenium

Dyrenium common side effects can include:

• vomiting
• dizziness
• headache

There is a list of serious side effects caused by this medicatiion:

• muscle weakness or cramps
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• diarrhea
• rash
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• upset stomach
• extreme tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• sore throat
• severe dry mouth

Indication

Dyrenium can be used alone or with other medications for treating edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various conditions, including liver and heart disease.

Precautions

It is recommended to inform your doctor before taking Dyrenium if you have:

• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• A history of kidney stones
• Diabetes
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
• Gout
• Fluid or electrolyte problems
• Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Arу taking any other medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Dyrenium Dosage for Water Retention

The recommended starting dose of Dyrenium when treating fluid retention is 100 mg, taken twice daily after meals. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose if necessary, up to a maximum of 300 mg per day. When Dyrenium is taken with another diuretic, the dose of both Dyrenium and the other diuretic should be reduced.

If you are switching to Dyrenium from another diuretic (or adding Dyrenium to a diuretic that you are currently taking), your healthcare provider should have you stop taking any potassium supplements.