Drug interactions
Terbutaline + Triamterene
Severity: Minor
Terbutaline and Triamterene: minor 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
Terbutaline can lower serum potassium by shifting potassium into cells, whereas triamterene is potassium-sparing and tends to raise it. The effects largely oppose each other, so the net result is usually small, but potassium may still shift in either direction in susceptible patients such as those with renal impairment or on high-dose beta-agonist therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Terbutaline and Triamterene have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Opposing effects on serum potassium: beta2-mediated intracellular potassium shift versus reduced renal potassium excretion from ENaC blockade.
What to do
No routine action is needed for most patients; check serum potassium in patients with renal impairment, those on high-dose or nebulised terbutaline, or those taking other potassium-affecting drugs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Terbutaline and Triamterene have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Terbutaline can lower serum potassium by shifting potassium into cells, whereas triamterene is potassium-sparing and tends to raise it. The effects largely oppose each other, so the net result is usually small, but potassium may still shift in either direction in susceptible patients such as those with renal impairment or on high-dose beta-agonist therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Terbutaline and Triamterene?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed for most patients; check serum potassium in patients with renal impairment, those on high-dose or nebulised terbutaline, or those taking other potassium-affecting drugs.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Droperidol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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