This study has demonstrated the use of crystallography, topology and graph set analysis in the description and classification of the complex hydrogen bonded network of triamterene. The aim is to give a brief overview of the methodology used to discuss the crystal structure of triamterene with a view to extending the study to include the solvates, cocrystals and salts of this compound. Graphical abstract One of the structurally significant dimers (supramolecular synthons) of triamterene identified by this study.