Altered hydroxylation rate of triamterene in patients with liver cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT

After oral administration of triamterene to four patients with liver cirrhosis the triameterene (TA) metabolism was altered. The ratio of AUCs of p-hydroxy-triamterene-sulfuric acid ester (OH-TA-ester)/triamterene (TA) was 1.0 +/- 1.0 in cirrhotic patients compared with 7.5 +/- 3.9 in control patients (p less than 0.025). Cumulative urinary excretion of TA was higher and that of OH-TA-ester lower in patients with liver cirrhosis compared with patients without liver disease. The results indicate that the metabolism of TA is influenced by liver cirrhosis. The extent of impairment of the metabolism of TA is correlated to reduced galactose-elimination capacity. This may be an indicator of reduced redox potential of the liver cell.