DYRENIUM® (triamterene USP) Capsules INDICATIONS AND USAGE
potassium supplementation, and substitute a thiazide alone.
50 mg and 100 mg potassium-sparing diuretic
Dyrenium (triamterene) is indicated in the treatment of edema Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate®, Sanofi associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver
Synthelabo) may be administered to enhance the excretion of
and the nephrotic syndrome; steroid-induced edema, idiopathic excess potassium. The presence of a widened QRS complex WARNINGS
edema and edema due to secondary hyperaldosteronism.
or arrhythmia in association with hyperkalemia requires
Abnormal elevation of serum potassium levels (greater than
prompt additional therapy. For tachyarrhythmia, infuse 44
or equal to 5.5 mEq/liter) can occur with all
Dyrenium may be used alone or with other diuretics, either for mEq of sodium bicarbonate or 10 mL of 10% calcium
potassium-sparing agents, including Dyrenium.
its added diuretic effect or its potassium-sparing potential. It
gluconate or calcium chloride over several minutes. For
Hyperkalemia is more likely to occur in patients with renal
also promotes increased diuresis when patients prove resistant asystole, bradycardia or A-V block transvenous pacing is also
impairment and diabetes (even without evidence of renal
or only partially responsive to thiazides or other diuretics
impairment), and in the elderly or severely ill. Since
because of secondary hyperaldosteronism.
uncorrected hyperkalemia may be fatal, serum potassium
The effect of calcium and sodium bicarbonate is transient and
levels must be monitored at frequent intervals especially in
Usage in Pregnancy. The routine use of diuretics in an
repeated administration may be required. When indicated by
patients receiving Dyrenium, when dosages are changed or
otherwise healthy woman is inappropriate and exposes mother the clinical situation, excess K+ may be removed by dialysis
with any illness that may influence renal function.
and fetus to unnecessary hazard. Diuretics do not prevent
or oral or rectal administration of Kayexalate®. Infusion of
development of toxemia of pregnancy, and there is no
glucose and insulin has also been used to treat hyperkalemia.
DESCRIPTION
satisfactory evidence that they are useful in the treatment of developed toxemia.
Each capsule for oral use, with opaque red cap and body,
PRECAUTIONS
contains Triamterene USP, 50 or 100 mg, and is imprinted
Edema during pregnancy may arise from pathological causes
with the product name, DYRENIUM, strength (50 mg or 100
or from the physiologic and mechanical consequences of
Dyrenium (triamterene) tends to conserve potassium rather
mg) and WPC 002 (for the 50-mg strength) and WPC 003 (for pregnancy. Diuretics are indicated in pregnancy (however, see than to promote the excretion as do many diuretics and,
the 100-mg strength). Inactive ingredients consist of D&C Red low) when edema is due to pathologic
occasionally, can cause increases in serum potassium which, in
No. 33, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Gelatin NF, Lactose NF,
causes, just as they are in the absence of pregnancy.
some instances, can result in hyperkalemia. In rare instances,
Magnesium Stearate NF, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate NF, Titanium Dependent edema in pregnancy, resulting from restriction of
hyperkalemia has been associated with cardiac irregularities.
venous return by the expanded uterus, is properly treated
Electrolyte imbalance often encountered in such diseases as
through elevation of the lower extremities and use of support
Triamterene is 2,4,7-triamino-6-phenyl-pteridine:
hose; use of diuretics to lower intravascular volume in this
congestive heart failure, renal disease or cirrhosis may be aggravated or caused independently by any effective diuretic
case is illogical and unnecessary. There is hypervolemia during normal pregnancy which is harmful to neither the fetus agent including Dyrenium. The use of full doses of a diuretic nor the mother (in the absence of cardiovascular disease), but
when salt intake is restricted can result in a low-salt syndrome.
which is associated with edema, including generalized edema, Triamterene can cause mild nitrogen retention, which is
in the majority of pregnant women. If this edema produces
reversible upon withdrawal of the drug, and is seldom
discomfort, increased recumbency will often provide relief. In observed with intermittent (every-other-day) therapy.
rare instances, this edema may cause extreme discomfort which is not relieved by rest. In these cases, a short course of
Triamterene may cause a decreasing alkali reserve, with the
diuretics may provide relief and may be appropriate.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
By the very nature of their illness, cirrhotics with
Its molecular weight is 253.27. At 50°C, triamterene is slightly Anuria. Severe or progressive kidney disease or dysfunction,
splenomegaly sometimes have marked variations in their
soluble in water. It is soluble in dilute ammonia, dilute
with the possible exception of nephrosis. Severe hepatic
blood. Since triamterene is a weak folic acid antagonist, it may
aqueous sodium hydroxide and dimethylformamide. It is
disease. Hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. contribute to the appearance of megaloblastosis in cases where
folic acid stores have been depleted. Therefore, periodic blood
Dyrenium (triamterene) should not be used in patients with
studies in these patients are recommended. They should also
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
pre-existing elevated serum potassium, as is sometimes seen in be observed for exacerbations of underlying liver disease. patients with impaired renal function or azotemia, or in
Triamterene has a unique mode of action; it inhibits the
patients who develop hyperkalemia while on the drug. Patients Triamterene has elevated uric acid, especially in persons
reabsorption of sodium ions in exchange for potassium and
should not be placed on dietary potassium supplements,
hydrogen ions at that segment of the distal tubule under the
potassium salts or potassium-containing salt substitutes in
control of adrenal mineralocorticoids (especially aldosterone). conjunction with Dyrenium.
Triamterene has been reported in renal stones in association
This activity is not directly related to aldosterone secretion or
with other calculus components. Dyrenium should be used
antagonism; it is a result of a direct effect on the renal tubule.
Dyrenium should not be given to patients receiving other
with caution in patients with histories of renal stones.
potassium-sparing agents, such as spironolactone, amiloride
The fraction of filtered sodium reaching this distal tubular
hydrochloride, or other formulations containing triamterene.
exchange site is relatively small, and the amount which is
Information for Patients
Two deaths have been reported in patients receiving
exchanged depends on the level of mineralocorticoid activity.
To help avoid stomach upset, it is recommended that the drug
concomitant spironolactone and Dyrenium or Dyazide®.
Thus, the degree of natriuresis and diuresis produced by
Although dosage recommendations were exceeded in one case
inhibition of the exchange mechanism is necessarily limited.
and in the other serum electrolytes were not properly
Increasing the amount of available sodium and the level of
If a single daily dose is prescribed, it may be preferable to take
monitored, these two drugs should not be given concomitantly.
mineralocorticoid activity by the use of more proximally
it in the morning to minimize the effect of increased frequency
acting diuretics will increase the degree of diuresis and
WARNINGS
If a dose is missed, the patient should not take more than the
Abnormal elevation of serum potassium levels (greater than
Triamterene occasionally causes increases in serum potassium
prescribed dose at the next dosing interval.
or equal to 5.5 mEq/liter) can occur with all
which can result in hyperkalemia. It does not produce
potassium-sparing agents, including Dyrenium.
alkalosis, because it does not cause excessive excretion of
Hyperkalemia is more likely to occur in patients with renal
Laboratory Tests
impairment and diabetes (even without evidence of renal
Hyperkalemia will rarely occur in patients with adequate
impairment), and in the elderly or severely ill. Since
urinary output, but it is a possibility if large doses are used for
Triamterene has been shown to cross the placental barrier and
uncorrected hyperkalemia may be fatal, serum potassium
considerable periods of time. If hyperkalemia is observed,
levels must be monitored at frequent intervals especially in
Dyrenium (triamterene) should be withdrawn. The normal
patients receiving Dyrenium, when dosages are changed or
adult range of serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq per liter,
Pharmacokinetics
with any illness that may influence renal function.
with 4.5 mEq often being used for a reference point. Potassium
Onset of action is 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. In normal
levels persistently above 6 mEq per liter require careful
volunteers the mean peak serum levels were 30 ng/mL at 3
There have been isolated reports of hypersensitivity reactions; observation and treatment. Normal potassium levels tend to be
hours. The average percent of drug recovered in the urine (0 to therefore, patients should be observed regularly for the
higher in neonates (7.7 mEq per liter) than in adults. Serum
48 hours) was 21%. Triamterene is primarily metabolized to
possible occurrence of blood dyscrasias, liver damage or other potassium levels do not necessarily indicate true body
the sulfate conjugate of hydroxytriamterene. Both the plasma
potassium concentration. A rise in plasma pH may cause a
and urine levels of this metabolite greatly exceed triamterene
decrease in plasma potassium concentration and an increase in
levels. Triamterene is rapidly absorbed, with somewhat less
Periodic BUN and serum potassium determinations should be
the intracellular potassium concentration. Because Dyrenium
than 50% of the oral dose reaching the urine. Most patients
made to check kidney function, especially in patients with
conserves potassium, it has been theorized that in patients who
will respond to Dyrenium (triamterene) during the first day of
suspected or confirmed renal insufficiency. It is particularly
have received intensive therapy or been given the drug for
important to make serum potassium determinations in elderly
prolonged periods, a rebound kaliuresis could occur upon
or diabetic patients receiving the drug; these patients should be abrupt withdrawal. In such patients, withdrawal of Dyrenium
Maximum therapeutic effect, however, may not be seen for
observed carefully for possible serum potassium increases.
several days. Duration of diuresis depends on several factors, especially renal function, but it generally tapers off 7 to 9
If hyperkalemia is present or suspected, an electrocardiogram
Drug Interactions
should be obtained. If the ECG shows no widening of the QRS or arrhythmia in the presence of hyperkalemia, it is usually
Caution should be used when lithium and diuretics are used
sufficient to discontinue Dyrenium (triamterene) and any
concomitantly because diuretic-induced sodium loss may
reduce the renal clearance of lithium and increase serum
(MRHD) on the basis of body weight, and 6 times the MRHD HOW SUPPLIED
lithium levels with risk of lithium toxicity. Patients receiving
on the basis of body-surface area, without evidence of harm to Capsules: 50 mg in bottles of 100, and 100 mg in bottles of
such combined therapy should have serum lithium levels
the fetus due to triamterene. Because animal reproduction
monitored closely and the lithium dosage adjusted if
studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug
should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
A possible interaction resulting in acute renal failure has been
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° - 30°C (59°
Nonteratogenic Effects:
reported in a few subjects when indomethacin, a nonsteroidal
- 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in
anti-inflammatory agent, was given with triamterene. Caution
Triamterene has been shown to cross the placental barrier and
is advised in administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
appear in cord blood. The use of triamterene in pregnant
women requires that the anticipated benefits be weighed
against possible hazards to the fetus. These possible hazards
The effects of the following drugs may be potentiated when
include adverse reactions which have occurred in the adult.
given together with triamterene: antihypertensive medication, other diuretics, preanesthetic and anesthetic agents, skeletal
Nursing Mothers:
Triamterene has not been studied in nursing mothers.
Triamterene appears in animal milk and is likely present in
Potassium-sparing agents should be used with caution in
human milk. If use of the drug product is deemed essential, the
conjunction with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors due to an increased risk of hyperkalemia.
WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation
The following agents, given together with triamterene, may
Pediatric Use:
promote serum potassium accumulation and possibly result in
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been
By WellSpring Pharmaceutical Canada Corp.
hyperkalemia because of the potassium-sparing nature of
triamterene, especially in patients with renal insufficiency:
blood from blood bank (may contain up to 30 mEq of
ADVERSE REACTIONS
potassium per liter of plasma or up to 65 mEq per liter of
Adverse effects are listed in decreasing order of frequency;
whole blood when stored for more than 10 days); low-salt milk however, the most serious adverse effects are listed first,
(may contain up to 60 mEq of potassium per liter);
regardless of frequency. All adverse effects occur rarely (that
potassium-containing medications (such as parenteral
penicillin G potassium); salt substitutes (most contain substantial amounts of potassium).
Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, rash, photosensitivity.
Dyrenium (triamterene) may raise blood glucose levels; for
adult-onset diabetes, dosage adjustments of hypoglycemic agents may be necessary during and/or after therapy;
Renal: azotemia, elevated BUN and creatinine, renal stones,
concurrent use with chlorpropamide may increase the risk of
acute interstitial nephritis (rare), acute renal failure (one case
of irreversible renal failure has been reported).
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
Gastrointestinal: jaundice and/or liver enzyme abnormalities,
Triamterene and quinidine have similar fluorescence spectra;
thus, triamterene will interfere with the fluorescent
Hematologic: thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia.
Central Nervous System: weakness, fatigue, dizziness,
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis: In studies conducted under the auspices of the National Toxicology Program, groups of rats were fed
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact
diets containing 0, 150, 300 or 600 ppm of triamterene, and
WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation at 1-866-337-4500
groups of mice were fed diets containing 0, 100, 200 or 400
ppm triamterene. Male and female rats exposed to the highest
tested concentration received triamterene at about 25 and 30
OVERDOSAGE
mg/kg/day, respectively. Male and female mice exposed to the In the event of overdosage, it can be theorized that electrolyte highest tested concentration received triamterene at about 45
imbalance would be the major concern, with particular
attention to possible hyperkalemia. Other symptoms that might be seen would be nausea and vomiting, other G.I. disturbances
There was an increased incidence of hepatocellular neoplasia
and weakness. It is conceivable that some hypotension could
(primarily adenomas) in male and female mice at the highest
occur. As with an overdose of any drug, immediate evacuation
dosage level. These doses represent 7.5X and 10X the
of the stomach should be induced through emesis and gastric
Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 300
lavage. Careful evaluation of the electrolyte pattern and fluid
mg/kg/day (or 6 mg/kg/day based on a 50 kg patient) for male balance should be made. There is no specific antidote. and female mice, respectively, when based on body weight and 0.7X and 0.9X the MRHD when based on body-surface
Reversible acute renal failure following ingestion of 50 tablets
of a product containing a combination of 50 mg triamterene and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide has been reported.
Although hepatocellular neoplasia (exclusively adenomas) in the rat study was limited to triamterene-exposed males,
The oral LD50 in mice is 380 mg/kg. The amount of drug in a
incidence was not dose dependent and there was no
single dose ordinarily associated with symptoms of overdose
statistically significant difference from control incidence at
or likely to be life-threatening is not known.
Although triamterene is 67% protein bound, there may be
Mutagenesis: Triamterene was not mutagenic in bacteria
some benefit to dialysis in cases of overdosage.
(Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535 or TA1537) with or without metabolic activation. It did not
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
induce chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in vitro with or without metabolic activation, but
Adult Dosage
it did induce sister chromatid exchanges in CHO cells in vitro
Dosage should be titrated to the needs of the individual
patient. When used alone, the usual starting dose is 100 mg twice daily after meals. When combined with another diuretic
Impairment of Fertility: Studies of the effects of
or antihypertensive agent, the total daily dosage of each agent should usually be lowered initially and then adjusted to the
triamterene on animal reproductive function have not been
patient’s needs. The total daily dosage should not exceed 300
Pregnancy: Category C
When Dyrenium (triamterene) is added to other diuretic
Teratogenic Effects:
therapy or when patients are switched to Dyrenium from other
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at doses as
diuretics, all potassium supplementation should be
high as 20 times the Maximum Recommended Human Dose
A clinical trials cancer research program in the ACT Principal Investigators: Dr D Yip, Dr P Craft, A/Prof R Stuart-Harris, Dr D Leong, Dr A Davis, The Canberra Hospital Grant Awarded: 2005-06, $33,700 The Canberra Hospital Medical Oncology Unit has continued clinical trial activities with the supportof The Cancer Council ACT. Four Clinical Trial Coordinators are currently employed by the