Drug interactions
Triamterene + Valsartan
Severity: Major
Triamterene and Valsartan: 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
Valsartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor and reduces aldosterone secretion, decreasing potassium excretion. Combined with triamterene, severe hyperkalemia can occur, especially in renal impairment, diabetes or older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Triamterene and Valsartan 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.
Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive reduction in renal potassium excretion through ARB-mediated aldosterone suppression and triamterene sodium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, check potassium and creatinine early and regularly. 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 Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Triamterene with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Triamterene and Valsartan 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. Valsartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor and reduces aldosterone secretion, decreasing potassium excretion. Combined with triamterene, severe hyperkalemia can occur, especially in renal impairment, diabetes or older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Triamterene and Valsartan?
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 creatinine early and regularly. 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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