What is Triamterene used for?

Triamterene is indicated for: Potassium-sparing diuresis, Potassium-sparing diuresis (CHF adjunct).

Which species have cited Triamterene dosing data?

Triamterene dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Triamterene a controlled substance?

Triamterene is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

How does Triamterene work?

Blocks epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in the collecting duct independently of aldosterone, reducing sodium reabsorption while sparing potassium.

Triamterene

US brand names:Dyrenium

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Triamterene is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h in dogs, per Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1301 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1273, Triamterene monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Cardiovascular

Routes

Indications

Potassium-sparing diuresisPotassium-sparing diuresis (CHF adjunct)

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Hyperkalemia risk — monitor electrolytes. Avoid with ACE inhibitors or other K-sparing agents without careful monitoring. Nephrolithiasis risk.

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Weak×1Extrapolated×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

· Verified against Papich/Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th Ed, p.837 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.837' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.809; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.809. — SOURCE EDITION: Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323244855
· Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1301 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1273, Triamterene monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	1–2 mg/kg	q12h	Weak	Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1301 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1273, Triamterene monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207
Cat (Domestic)	PO	1–2 mg/kg	q12h	Extrapolated	Verified against Papich/Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th Ed, p.837 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.837' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.809; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.809. — SOURCE EDITION: Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855,

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