Drug interactions
Tolfenamic acid + Triamterene
Severity: Major
Tolfenamic acid 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
NSAIDs can reduce renal prostaglandin synthesis, lowering renin and aldosterone and impairing potassium excretion. With triamterene this raises hyperkalemia risk and also increases the risk of acute kidney injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tolfenamic acid 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.
Tolfenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced prostaglandin inhibition causes hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism and reduced renal perfusion, adding to triamterene's potassium retention.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in renal impairment or volume depletion. If used, monitor potassium, creatinine and hydration status.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Tolfenamic acid and Triamterene, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Tolfenamic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tolfenamic acid with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tolfenamic acid 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. NSAIDs can reduce renal prostaglandin synthesis, lowering renin and aldosterone and impairing potassium excretion. With triamterene this raises hyperkalemia risk and also increases the risk of acute kidney injury.
How serious is the interaction between Tolfenamic acid 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, particularly in renal impairment or volume depletion. If used, monitor potassium, creatinine and hydration status.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
