Drug interactions
Telmisartan + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Telmisartan 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
Telmisartan lowers aldosterone-driven potassium excretion, and triamterene also retains potassium. The combination can cause serious hyperkalemia, particularly with renal impairment, diabetes or advanced age.
What this interaction means in plain words
Telmisartan 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.
Telmisartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive reduction in renal potassium excretion via ARB-mediated aldosterone suppression and triamterene sodium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if necessary, monitor potassium and renal function closely at initiation and periodically. 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 Telmisartan
- Aliskiren + Telmisartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Telmisartan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Telmisartan Major
- Amiloride + Telmisartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Telmisartan Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Telmisartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Telmisartan with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Telmisartan 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. Telmisartan lowers aldosterone-driven potassium excretion, and triamterene also retains potassium. The combination can cause serious hyperkalemia, particularly with renal impairment, diabetes or advanced age.
How serious is the interaction between Telmisartan 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 combining where possible; if necessary, monitor potassium and renal function closely at initiation and periodically. 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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