Drug interactions
Diflunisal + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Diflunisal and Triamterene: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC
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 is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and NSAIDs add to hyperkalemia risk while also increasing the likelihood of acute kidney injury. Indomethacin with triamterene is a well-described cause of acute renal failure, and the same caution applies to other NSAIDs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diflunisal and Triamterene can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Diflunisal belongs to Musculoskeletal; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis lowers renal blood flow and potassium excretion, compounding triamterene's sodium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, especially in renal impairment or volume depletion; if used, monitor serum potassium, creatinine and hydration status.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Diflunisal
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Diflunisal Major
- Acetazolamide + Diflunisal Major
- Alteplase + Diflunisal Major
- Amiloride + Diflunisal Major
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 Diflunisal with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diflunisal and Triamterene can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and NSAIDs add to hyperkalemia risk while also increasing the likelihood of acute kidney injury. Indomethacin with triamterene is a well-described cause of acute renal failure, and the same caution applies to other NSAIDs.
How serious is the interaction between Diflunisal and Triamterene?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, especially in renal impairment or volume depletion; if used, monitor serum potassium, creatinine and hydration status.
What other medicines interact with Diflunisal?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diflunisal with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Diflunisal page.
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