Drug interactions
Irbesartan + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Irbesartan and Triamterene: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK 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
Both drugs reduce potassium excretion, so combined use can lead to significant hyperkalemia. Risk is higher in renal impairment, diabetes, heart failure and older age.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irbesartan 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.
Irbesartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Triamterene blocks the epithelial sodium channel and irbesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors, lowering aldosterone-driven potassium secretion.
What to do
Avoid unless clearly needed; if combined, check potassium and creatinine within the first week and regularly after. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes.
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
- Aprovel 150mg film-coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: potassium-sparing diuretics; "Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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
Other interactions of Irbesartan
- Aliskiren + Irbesartan Contraindicated
- Irbesartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Irbesartan Major
- Amiloride + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Irbesartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irbesartan with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Irbesartan 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. Both drugs reduce potassium excretion, so combined use can lead to significant hyperkalemia. Risk is higher in renal impairment, diabetes, heart failure and older age.
How serious is the interaction between Irbesartan 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 unless clearly needed; if combined, check potassium and creatinine within the first week and regularly after. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes.
What other medicines interact with Triamterene?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Triamterene with, for example, Amiloride, Eplerenone, Potassium citrate / citric acid. The full list is on the Triamterene page.
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