Drug interactions
Chlorthalidone + Triamterene
Severity: Moderate
Chlorthalidone and Triamterene: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Triamterene retains potassium while chlorthalidone depletes it, and the pair is commonly combined to preserve potassium. Net effect varies, and hyperkalemia or hyponatremia may occur, especially with renal impairment or in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorthalidone and Triamterene can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Triamterene blocks ENaC, reducing potassium secretion, while chlorthalidone increases distal sodium delivery and potassium loss.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium, sodium and renal function at the start and periodically. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless hypokalemia is documented.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Triamterene
- Amiloride + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Potassium citrate / citric acid + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Potassium citrate + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Spironolactone + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Triamterene Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorthalidone with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorthalidone and Triamterene can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Triamterene retains potassium while chlorthalidone depletes it, and the pair is commonly combined to preserve potassium. Net effect varies, and hyperkalemia or hyponatremia may occur, especially with renal impairment or in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorthalidone and Triamterene?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium, sodium and renal function at the start and periodically. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless hypokalemia is documented.
What other medicines interact with Chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorthalidone with, for example, Amifostine, Atenolol-chlorthalidone, Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Chlorthalidone page.
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