amiloride

What is the most important information I should know about amiloride?

Amiloride can raise the levels of potassium in your blood. You will need frequent blood tests while taking this medicine.

What is amiloride?

Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.

Amiloride is used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood) in people with high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

Amiloride is usually given together with other medicines.

Amiloride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amiloride?

• you have kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
• you have problems with your kidneys caused by diabetes;
• you have high potassium levels (hyperkalemia);
• you take a potassium supplement; or
• you take another potassium-sparing diuretic such Moduretic, spironolactone, or triamterene.

To make sure amiloride is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;
• heart disease;
• breathing problems;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• if you are on a low-salt diet; or
• if you are severely ill or debilitated.

Amiloride is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

How should I take amiloride?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor may recommend you eat certain foods or take supplements to keep your potassium from getting too low. Follow the diet and medication plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

While using amiloride, you will need frequent blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using amiloride. You may need to stop taking amiloride at least 3 days before having a glucose tolerance test.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking amiloride?

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. 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.

What are the possible side effects of amiloride?

• increased thirst, decreased urination;
• heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• tremors, confusion, loss of consciousness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• high potassium --tiredness, numbness or tingling, slow or unusual heart rate, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• low levels of sodium in the body --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain, gas, loss of appetite;
• headache; or
• rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect amiloride?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• lithium;
• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection --cyclosporine, tacrolimus;
• an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin converting enzyme) --benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinipril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril;
• heart or blood pressure medication --azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amiloride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about amiloride.