Amiloride Hcl
What is AMILORIDE HCL?
(AMILORIDE HCL) Amiloride is used with other "water pills"/diuretics (such as furosemide, thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, or extra fluid in the body (edema). Amiloride also helps to treat or prevent low blood potassium levels caused by the other diuretics. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amiloride is called a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water while also preventing the kidneys from getting rid of too much potassium.
How should I use AMILORIDE HCL?
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. If you have any questions about how and when to take this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
What should I tell my health care provider before I take AMILORIDE HCL?
See Also Warning section. Before taking amiloride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: untreated salt/mineral imbalance (such as high potassium, low sodium level), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, dehydration. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to. This drug may increase the potassium levels in your blood. Limit foods high in potassium such as bananas and orange juice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any products containing potassium (such as potassium supplements, salt substitutes). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with AMILORIDE HCL?
See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: lithium, sodium phosphate products, other products that may increase potassium levels (such as eplerenone, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, birth control pills containing drospirenone, potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone/triamterene, ACE inhibitors like benazepril/captopril, angiotensin receptor antagonists like losartan/valsartan). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as glucose tolerance testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
What should I watch for while using AMILORIDE HCL?
This medication can cause high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). This effect is more likely to occur in older adults and in patients with kidney disease, diabetes, or a serious illness. Potassium levels must be closely monitored on a regular basis while taking this medication. If not treated, very high potassium levels can sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of high potassium levels, including muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, numb/tingling skin.
What if I miss a dose of AMILORIDE HCL?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What side effects may I notice from receiving AMILORIDE HCL?
See also Warning section. Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. When given with other diuretics, this medication may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or confusion. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep AMILORIDE HCL?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Protect from freezing. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.