What Is Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide?
Amiloride is a potassium sparing-diuretic that also prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.
The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medicine if you have kidney disease, urination problems, diabetes, or high levels of potassium in your blood.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use potassium supplements or certain diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene).
If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or amiloride, or if you have:
- kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
- high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or
- if you are taking potassium supplements.
If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
To make sure hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- high cholesterol, heart disease, coronary artery disease;
- cirrhosis or other liver disease;
- glaucoma;
- a breathing disorder;
- gout; or
- an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- high sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, hallucinations, vomiting, severe weakness, muscle cramps, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, shallow breathing; or
- high potassium--slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling.
- diarrhea, constipation;
- mild stomach pain; or
- tired feeling.
Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide Interactions
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you light-headed (such as cold medicine, a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures). They can add to the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, especially:
- lithium;
- tacrolimus; or
- other blood pressure medications.
Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide Dosage
Take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride with food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are taking medication that contains hydrochlorothiazide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide Pictures
