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Pharmacology · single question

A patient taking HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) and triamterene reports dry mouth. What is responsible?

  1. Triamterene causes salivary gland atrophy
  2. The combination causes autoimmune salivary gland damage
  3. Triamterene blocks muscarinic receptors
  4. HCTZ reduces salivary flow as a diuretic side effect
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Correct answer: D. HCTZ reduces salivary flow as a diuretic side effect

  • A. Triamterene does not cause salivary gland atrophy.
  • B. This drug combination does not cause autoimmune damage to salivary glands.
  • C. Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic — it does not block muscarinic receptors.
  • D. Correct. HCTZ is a thiazide diuretic. Diuretics reduce overall body fluid levels, which can cause xerostomia (dry mouth) as a recognized side effect. This is a fluid-reduction effect, not an anticholinergic one.

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