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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Potassium Level After Taking Triamterene?

I take triamterene and in the last month my potassium level has become very low. My doctor said they have seen a number of patients at their clinic who take triamterene, which is the generic diazide, and recently they have all had the same experience I have. These patients normally have normal potassium levels, as do I, however, they are suddenly low in potassium also. I am having to take potassium chloride. My doctor suggested that there was possibly a bad batch.
Tue, 28 Apr 2015
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Triamterene is a diuretic (increases urine volume help in removing extra water from body through urine) but has potassium sparing (no effect on potassium excretion other diuretics causes loss of potassium along with sodium and water in urine) action.

Low potassium with use of triamterene may be due to -
1) Concomitant use of other diuretic in high dose.
2) Kidney problem - kidney not responding to triamterene action or lose potassium in excess in urine.

But as you said this problem is present in most of other triamterene users, there is likely possibility of bad batch as your doctor told.
There may be wrong drug (other diuretic) in the tablet given.
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What Causes Low Potassium Level After Taking Triamterene?

Hi, Triamterene is a diuretic (increases urine volume help in removing extra water from body through urine) but has potassium sparing (no effect on potassium excretion other diuretics causes loss of potassium along with sodium and water in urine) action. Low potassium with use of triamterene may be due to - 1) Concomitant use of other diuretic in high dose. 2) Kidney problem - kidney not responding to triamterene action or lose potassium in excess in urine. But as you said this problem is present in most of other triamterene users, there is likely possibility of bad batch as your doctor told. There may be wrong drug (other diuretic) in the tablet given.