Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Amiloride HCl oral

Amiloride HCl oral Drug Category AMILORIDE - ORAL

Amiloride HCl oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. AMILORIDE - ORAL (am-ILL-oh-ride) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Midamor WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat. USES: This drug is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is most frequently used in conjunction with other drugs to lower blood pressure, to treat edema (fluid retention) or to help maintain blood potassium levels. HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, increase the dose or stop taking the drug without your doctor's approval. Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose near bedtime. Try to take this at the same time each day so you remember to take it. SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness or vision changes. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache or constipation the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands or feet, fatigue, breathing difficulties, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: diabetes, kidney or liver disease, drug allergies. Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, cantaloupe, avocado, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods. Consult your doctor or nutritionist. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. If an illness causes severe vomiting or diarrhea, the fluid balance in your body can be upset. Contact your doctor. Unlike other diuretics, amiloride does not cause potassium loss from the body. Do not use salt substitutes without your doctor's permission. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: captopril, enalapril, digoxin, lithium, potassium supplements, triamterene, spironolactone, medication for arthritis, diabetes medications, high blood pressure drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness. NOTES: It is important to continue taking this drug even if you do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.