Triamterene Flashcards

Classification

• Potassium-sparing diuretic, used to promote sodium and water excretion while maintaining potassium levels.

Action

• Increases sodium and water excretion, causing potential hyperkalemia if used alone.
• Results in loss of sodium, chloride, water, bicarbonate, and calcium.

Therapeutic Effect

• Typically prescribed alongside loop or thiazide diuretics to manage hypertension (HTN) or edema while sparing potassium.

Absorption

• Incompletely absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution

• Widely distributed throughout the body, including passage through the placenta and into breast milk.

Metabolism

• Primarily metabolized in the liver.

Excretion

• Excreted through kidneys and breast milk.

Contraindications/Precautions

• Not suitable for individuals with hypersensitivity, hyperkalemia, renal or liver disease, and anuria.
• Use with caution during pregnancy and avoid in breastfeeding.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, headache, photosensitivity, and nausea/vomiting (N/V).

Adverse Reactions

• Serious reactions can include anaphylaxis, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrosis.

Interactions

• May interact negatively with ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and potassium supplements.

Route

• Administered orally (PO).

Assessment

• Dietary guidance: limit potassium-rich foods and supplements.
• Administer in the morning with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• Monitor potassium levels to detect hyperkalemia, along with blood pressure, edema, weight, input/output, and urine output.
• Assess for signs of hypokalemia and perform periodic ECG in long-term therapy.
• Regularly check for skin rash indicating Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Evaluate serum potassium before and during therapy; withhold if hyperkalemia is detected.
• Discontinue potassium-sparing diuretic three days prior to glucose tolerance testing due to hyperkalemia risk.
• Monitor platelet count and total leukocyte count as part of therapy.

Patient Teaching

• Adhere to prescribed dosing schedule, do not double doses if missed.
• Avoid excessive salt and potassium unless directed.
• Caution advised for dizziness; refrain from driving until the effects are known.
• Inform healthcare providers about all medications, including OTC drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity.
• Report symptoms like rash, muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor health progress.
• Continue hypertension treatment and learn proper technique for weekly blood pressure monitoring.