Drug interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan and Triamterene: major 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
Valsartan and triamterene both retain potassium, so combined use raises the risk of hyperkalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-wasting agent that may partly offset it, but the net effect is unpredictable, particularly with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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.
Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Reduced aldosterone effect from angiotensin receptor blockade plus direct epithelial sodium channel blockade by triamterene produces additive potassium retention.
What to do
Check potassium and creatinine at baseline, within the first week, and periodically after. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes, and stop triamterene if hyperkalemia develops.
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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Other interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan
- Aliskiren + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Contraindicated
- Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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 Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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. Valsartan and triamterene both retain potassium, so combined use raises the risk of hyperkalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-wasting agent that may partly offset it, but the net effect is unpredictable, particularly with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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: Check potassium and creatinine at baseline, within the first week, and periodically after. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes, and stop triamterene if hyperkalemia develops.
What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sparsentan. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan page.
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