Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Ibuprofen 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
Taking an NSAID with triamterene has been linked to acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Triamterene labeling warns against using NSAIDs together with it because of this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen 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.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced reduction in renal prostaglandins and perfusion combined with triamterene's potassium-sparing effect.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible and use an alternative analgesic. If it cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium, creatinine and urine output closely.
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 Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen 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 Ibuprofen with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen 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. Taking an NSAID with triamterene has been linked to acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Triamterene labeling warns against using NSAIDs together with it because of this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen 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 when possible and use an alternative analgesic. If it cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium, creatinine and urine output closely.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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