Can triamterene cause low potassium?

This medication is a combination of two “water pills” (diuretics): triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination is used by people who have developed or are at risk for having low potassium levels on hydrochlorothiazide. It causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

Table of Contents

Should you take potassium with triamterene?

You should not take triamterene if you also take potassium supplements, or other diuretics such as amiloride or spironolactone. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of hyperkalemia (high potassium), such as nausea, irregular heartbeats, weakness, or loss of movement.

How much does triamterene raise potassium?

For patients who were prescribed triamterene, we examined their potassium levels before and after the initiation of triamterene. In our study data, potassium levels increased after patients were put on triamterene, but the increase was small (0.03 mmol/L) and not statistically significant (p = 0.16).

Is HCTZ potassium depleting?

Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized, and a majority is excreted in the urine unchanged. It also causes a loss of potassium and bicarbonate.

What is the most significant adverse effect of triamterene?

Triamterene can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, such as confusion, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness/lightheadedness, or seizures.

Does triamterene increase potassium?

Diuretics such as triamterene can raise your blood potassium to dangerous levels. This is more likely to occur if you have kidney disease, diabetes, severe illness, or if you are an older adult.

What should you not take with triamterene?

do not take triamterene if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or other medications containing triamterene. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

What happens when you stop taking triamterene?

Stopping it without warning can cause an increase in blood pressure and an increase in fluid throughout your body, which can cause your condition to get worse. Stopping Dyazide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide) suddenly also raises your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

What are signs of low potassium?

Symptoms

Constipation.
Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.
Fatigue.
Muscle damage.
Muscle weakness or spasms.
Tingling or numbness.

Should I take potassium if I take a diuretic?

So do loop diuretics, such as bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide (Lasix). If you take these medications, your doctor will likely encourage you to eat more potassium rich foods and beverages and limit salt intake.

What are the long term side effects of Triamterene HCTZ?

If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks.

How can I get my potassium up fast?

In addition to bananas, common foods with high potassium content include potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados, turkey, dried apricots, leafy greens, dried peas and beans. If you plan your meals to regularly include these and other high-potassium foods, you’ll be less likely to need a quick potassium boost.

What happens when your potassium is very low?

A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop. The diagnosis is based on blood tests to measure the potassium level. Usually, eating foods rich in potassium or taking potassium supplements by mouth is all that is needed.

What are the symptoms of dangerously low potassium?

More severe cases of low potassium may cause signs and symptoms such as:

Muscle twitches.
Muscle cramps.
Severe muscle weakness, leading to paralysis.
Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Lightheadedness or faintness.
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Excessive urination (polyuria).
Excessive thirst (polydipsia).

How do you feel if you lack potassium?

A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:

Constipation.
Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.
Fatigue.
Muscle damage.
Muscle weakness or spasms.
Tingling or numbness.

How do you feel when you have low potassium?

Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms, and changes in blood pressure.

What are the 10 signs of low potassium?

If you have low levels of potassium, symptoms may include:

weakness.
feeling tired.
muscle cramps.
confusion.
constipation.
an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) – skipped heartbeats or an irregular heartbeat.
tingling or numbness.
increased urination.

What causes potassium to drop suddenly?

Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Occasionally, low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet. Causes of potassium loss include: Alcohol use (excessive)

What are the seven signs of low potassium?

How do you feel when your potassium is low?

What are the warning signs of low potassium?

How can I raise my potassium quickly?

What drink is high in potassium?

Drinking fruit and vegetable juices is another easy way to increase your potassium intake. Citrus juices seem to provide the most potassium ( 3 ). For example, 1 cup (240 mL) of 100% orange juice offers about 10% of the DV for potassium, while the same serving of grapefruit juice provides 9% of the DV ( 30 , 31 ).

What happens to your body when your potassium is low?

Can triamterene cause low potassium?