Drug interactions
Olmesartan + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Olmesartan 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
Angiotensin receptor blockers reduce aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion. Combined with triamterene, this can cause clinically significant and sometimes dangerous hyperkalemia, particularly in renal impairment, diabetes or older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Olmesartan 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.
Olmesartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive reduction in renal potassium excretion through aldosterone suppression by the ARB and sodium channel blockade by triamterene.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, check potassium and renal function within the first week or two and regularly afterward. Stop triamterene if potassium rises significantly.
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 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 Olmesartan
- Aliskiren + Olmesartan Contraindicated
- Olmesartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Olmesartan Major
- Amifostine + Olmesartan Major
- Amiloride + Olmesartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Olmesartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Olmesartan with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Olmesartan 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. Angiotensin receptor blockers reduce aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion. Combined with triamterene, this can cause clinically significant and sometimes dangerous hyperkalemia, particularly in renal impairment, diabetes or older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Olmesartan 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; if used, check potassium and renal function within the first week or two and regularly afterward. Stop triamterene if potassium rises significantly.
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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