Triamterene

The Basics

What is Triamterene?

Used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure.

Brand names for Triamterene

Dyrenium

How Triamterene is classified

Diuretics

Triamterene During Pregnancy

Triamterene pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Triamterene while pregnant

The routine use of diuretics in an otherwise healthy woman is inappropriate and exposes mother and fetus to unnecessary hazard. Diuretics do not prevent development of toxemia of pregnancy, and there is no satisfactory evidence that they are useful in the treatment of developed toxemia. Edema during pregnancy may arise from pathological causes or from the physiologic and mechanical consequences of pregnancy. Diuretics are indicated in pregnancy (however, see PRECAUTIONS below) when edema is due to pathologic causes, just as they are in the absence of pregnancy. Dependent edema in pregnancy, resulting from restriction of venous return by the expanded uterus, is properly treated through elevation of the lower extremities and use of support hose; use of diuretics to lower intravascular volume in this case is illogical and unnecessary. There is hypervolemia during normal pregnancy which is harmful to neither the fetus nor the mother (in the absence of cardiovascular disease), but which is associated with edema, including generalized edema, in the majority of pregnant women. If this edema produces discomfort, increased recumbency will often provide relief. In rare instances, this edema may cause extreme discomfort which is not relieved by rest. In these cases, a short course of diuretics may provide relief and may be appropriate.

Taking Triamterene While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Triamterene?

Because there is no published experience with triamterene during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because there is no published experience with triamterene during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Triamterene on milk supply

Intense diuresis can suppress lactation;[1][2] however, it is unlikely that triamterene alone is sufficiently potent to cause this effect.

Possible alternatives to Triamterene

Spironolactone.