Uses of Amiloride
Amiloride is usually used in combination with other diuretics (‘water pills’) to treat high blood pressure and heart failure in patients who have low amounts of potassium in their bodies or for whom low potassium levels in the body could be dangerous. Amiloride is in a class of medications called diuretics. It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine but reduces the loss of potassium.
High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Side Effects of Amiloride
Amiloride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- gas
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- dry mouth; thirst; numbness and tingling; confusion; muscle weakness, stomach pain, or cramps; fast heartbeat and other signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- chest pain
- rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Amiloride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking amiloride:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amiloride, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in amiloride. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking spironolactone (Aldactone, in Aldactazide), other medications containing triamterene, or potassium supplements or potassium-containing medication supplements. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take amiloride if you are taking one or more of these medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARB) such as azilsartan (Edarbi, Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten, in Teveten HCT), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, Benicar HCT), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT), and valsartan (Diovan, in Diovan HCT, Exforge); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); lithium (Lithobid); or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others); or tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take amiloride.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amiloride, call your doctor immediately.
Dosage
Amiloride comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with food. To help you remember to take amiloride, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amiloride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
This medication controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take amiloride even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amiloride without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to amiloride. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to amiloride.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
