Under Eye Puffiness, Diagnosed Acute Renal Failure Due To Use Of Triameterene / Hctz, Used Triamterene For Meniere's Syndrome. Advise?

Posted on Fri, 15 Jun 2012

Question: I was diagnosed with acute renal failure due to the use of triameterene/hctz...I have been using the triamterene for meneiere's syndrome for fluid buildup...I have cut my use of the meds in half and am trying to stop taking it altogether...could it be the cause of the under eye puffness I have been having lately that I have never had before? I'm 52 and have always had great skin...but since the diagnosis, I've had this constant under eye puffiness...am trying to stay hydrated...if I stop using the triameterene/hctz altogether will this help the puffiness and restore my kidney function?

Answered by Dr. Avinash Ignatius (9 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Acute renal failure due to triameterene/hctz can be due to dehydration or an allergic reaction to the med itself. Have your renal parameters normalized. What was the ultrasound report of the kidneys then. If it was Acute renal failure your renal functions should have normalized - what are they now?
When your kidneys have got used to the meds (both of which are diuretics) and you start reducing the dose, there may be some amount of fluid retention. The only way out is to wait and allow the kidneys to readjust.

Restricting your fluid intake to less than 1000ml/24hrs and strictly limiting your salt intake to about 3 gm(half a teaspoon)/ 24hrs would help you avoid retaining water.
Reduce the dosages gradually.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Avinash Ignatius (1 hour later)

I attached the renal ultrasound report. I don't know what my renal functions are right now as I no longer have health insurance. I was told to drink a lot of water, so I'm a little confused. Should I limit my fluid intake? I am tapering off of the triameterene/hctz and am hoping that everything will go back to normal, but I have had the puffiness under the eyes, but no other major fluid retention so far anywhere else...that is what is frustrating me the most and of course, I want my kidneys to be functioning normally again. So the best bet is to gradually eliminate the triamterene and limit my fluid/salt intake? I am just confused as to what to do as I can't afford to see my regular nephrologist without insurance, but he was telling me to drink a lot more fluids. Thank you for your help as right now I have no where else to turn.

Answered by Dr. Avinash Ignatius (14 hours later)

Hi Again,

Your ultrasound of the kidneys attached appears normal.

It is very likely that the puffiness on your face is due to excess fluid intake and reduced dose of the diuretics. It would help if we know your present urine report and serum creatinine.

If you are unable to get these- limit your salt and water intake as I mentioned earlier. It would be a good idea to monitor your weight daily at a fixed time ( a normal bathroom scale would do). The trend of your weight will give an idea about your fluid status whether you are accumulating fluid.

Further steps can be taken based on the weight scale.

Hope this helps.

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar