Potassium-Sparing Effects of Triamterene in the Treatment of Hypertension

Abstract

Triamterene (2,4,7-triamino-6-phenylpteridine) was employed alone and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of patients with group I and 2 hypertension. In 21 patients, triamterene alone had an inconsistent antihypertensive effect on the systolic blood pressure, which was minimal in most patients. In 16 patients the combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (2:1 by weight) reduced the systolic blood pressure slightly more than did hydrochlorothiazide alone. Triamterene alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide produced an increase in the concentration of K in serum. Side effects due to triamterene were similar to those noted with thiazide diuretics. In addition, 5 patients had a decrease in blood hemoglobin concentration, and 2 patients had reversible alterations in liver function during triamterene therapy. Triamterene may be useful adjunct for thiazidetreated hypertensive patients by decreasing the likelihood of complicating hypokalemia.