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Dyrenium
Dyrenium is a drug commonly used for the treatment of fluid retention. Available by prescription only, it is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic, which works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. The medicine comes in capsule form and is generally taken twice daily after meals. Possible side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, and dry mouth.
Dyrenium® (triamterene) is a prescription medicine that is used as a diuretic for treating fluid retention. It is known as a "potassium-sparing" diuretic and is used to treat water retention (edema) due to various causes. Usually, triamterene is used in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, another diuretic (see Triamterene-HCTZ for more information). Dyrenium (which contains just triamterene) is used much less often.
(Click Dyrenium Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Dyrenium is made by Wellspring Pharmaceutical Corporation.
Dyrenium is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." While most diuretics can cause low levels of potassium in the blood, Dyrenium is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic, meaning that it can actually increase potassium levels in the blood.
The medication works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is then passed out through urine. By increasing the amount of water and salt removed from the blood, Dyrenium causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, it can also help with water retention.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD