Amiloride  - Generic Name: Amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide

What is/are Amiloride?

AMILORIDE is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body. This medicine is used in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• high levels of potassium in the blood
• kidney or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amiloride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• eplerenone
• potassium sparing diuretics like spironolactone and triamterene
• quinidine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• cyclosporine
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure
• potassium supplements
• tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• confusion
• dark urine
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• numbness, tingling in hands or feet
• trouble passing urine
• unusually weak or tired
• weakness or heaviness of legs
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation, or diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact them.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.