Uses of Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide
The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or in combination with other medications 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 and hydrochlorothiazide are in a class of medications called diuretics (‘water pills’). They work by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, 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 and Hydrochlorothiazide
Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- gas
- headache
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- dry mouth; thirst; nausea; vomiting; weakness, tiredness; drowsiness; restlessness; confusion; muscle weakness, pain, or cramps; fast heartbeat and other signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- rash
- hives
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide containing medications, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the patient information for a list of the ingredients.
- do not take amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide if you are taking spironolactone (Aldactone, in Aldactazide), other medications containing triamterene, or potassium supplements or potassium-containing medication supplements.
- 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); barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital (Seconal); corticosteroids such as betamethasone (Celestone), budesonide (Entocort), cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, others), fludrocortisone (Floriner), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone, others), prednisone (Rayos), and triamcinolone (Aristocort, Azmacort); corticotropin (ACTH H.P., Acthar Gel); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; lithium (Lithobid); medications for high blood pressure; 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.
- if you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take them 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide.
- tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, 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 and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide.
- you should know that amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Alcohol can add to these side effects.
Dosage
The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning with food. To help you remember to take amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, 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 and hydrochlorothiazide 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 and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and blood tests should be done occasionally.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. 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.
