How effective is triamterene for treating hypertension?

Diuretic (H2O) pill: Triamterene is in the diuretic class of blood pressure lowering medications. While most diuretics will drain the body of potassium, triamterene does not (it is a potassium-sparing diuretic). It is often used as combination pill w/hydrochlorothiazide, another diuretic. It's a great 1st line drug for hypertension. Check out http://www.drugs.com/triamterene.html

Somewhat effective: Triamterene falls into a class of medication called potassium-sparing diuretics. It is not the most potent on its own, but it is commonly used as an add-on medication with other hypertension drugs.