Dyrenium (Triamterene) for Heart Failure

Dyrenium (triamterene) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat edema, or swelling caused by fluid buildup, associated with congestive heart failure.

How Dyrenium Works and How It’s Taken

Dyrenium is a type of diuretic, also called a water pill. It works by reducing how much sodium the kidneys take back into the body. This helps the body remove extra fluid through urine while holding on to potassium.

Doctors prescribe Dyrenium when congestive heart failure causes swelling from fluid buildup. It can be used alone or with other diuretics to help the body remove more fluid or retain potassium.

Dyrenium comes as a capsule taken by mouth.

Typical Dosing for Heart-Related Swelling

The recommended starting dose of Dyrenium for adults, when used alone, is 100 milligrams twice daily after meals. Taking it after meals may help prevent stomach upset.

When Dyrenium is used with another diuretic or blood pressure medication, a doctor will usually lower the daily dose of each medication at first. The doses may then be adjusted based on the person’s needs.

The total daily dose of Dyrenium should not exceed 300 milligrams.

Your doctor may adjust your Dyrenium dose based on your treatment needs and potassium levels in your blood.

If your doctor prescribes Dyrenium once daily, taking it in the morning may help reduce nighttime urination.

This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Dyrenium Side Effects

Reported side effects of Dyrenium are rare, affecting 1 in 1,000 people or fewer. These include:

Weakness
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Dyrenium can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Hyperkalemia — High potassium levels in the blood can be life-threatening and may cause heart rhythm problems.
Severe allergic reactions — These can include anaphylaxis (a sudden, serious allergic reaction).
Acute kidney failure and other serious kidney problems — These can include acute interstitial nephritis (a type of kidney inflammation).
Liver problems — These can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and liver enzyme abnormalities.
Blood problems — These can include thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count that can raise bleeding risk) and megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia).
Kidney stones — Hard deposits that can form in the kidneys.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

If you experience serious side effects, you can report them to the FDA online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also contact the drug's manufacturer.

What To Know Before Taking Dyrenium

Before starting Dyrenium, your doctor will check your kidney function through blood tests, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Your doctor will also monitor your blood potassium levels regularly, as Dyrenium can cause potassium levels to rise.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to triamterene or any ingredients in Dyrenium.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with Dyrenium and increase the risk of side effects.

Do not take Dyrenium if you:

Cannot produce urine (a condition called anuria).
Have severe or worsening kidney disease or dysfunction, with a possible exception for a kidney condition called nephrosis.
Have severe liver disease.
Are allergic to triamterene or any ingredients in Dyrenium.
Already have high potassium levels in your blood.

Dyrenium should not be taken with other potassium-sparing medications, such as spironolactone or amiloride, or with potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.

If you miss a dose, do not take more than your prescribed dose at the next scheduled time.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Dyrenium. During pregnancy, Dyrenium should be used only when clearly needed. Your doctor will weigh the possible benefits against the risks to the fetus.

If you are breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Dyrenium. The medication is likely to pass into breast milk. If treatment with Dyrenium is necessary, you should stop breastfeeding.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Dyrenium for heart-related swelling?

Dyrenium is used to treat edema, or fluid buildup, linked to congestive heart failure. It may be used alone or with other diuretics, and it may help when people are resistant or only partly responsive to thiazides or other diuretics because of secondary hyperaldosteronism.

According to the prescribing information, most people respond during the first day of treatment, but the maximum effect may not be seen for several days.

How long does Dyrenium take to work for heart-related swelling?

Dyrenium starts working about two to four hours after a dose. Its effect on urine production generally begins to wear off seven to nine hours after taking it. However, the full treatment effect may take several days.

Does Dyrenium interact with other medicines?

Yes. Dyrenium can interact with certain medicines and increase the risk of side effects.

Other potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone and amiloride, should not be taken with Dyrenium because they can increase potassium levels in the blood.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, may increase the risk of high potassium levels when taken with Dyrenium.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin, may increase the risk of kidney problems when taken with Dyrenium.
Taking lithium with diuretics like Dyrenium may raise lithium levels, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
Blood pressure medicines and other diuretics may have stronger effects when taken with Dyrenium.

Dyrenium should also not be taken with potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take before starting Dyrenium. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment or monitor you more closely.