What is the most important information I should know about amiloride?
Do not use this medication if you have
kidney disease, urination problems, or high
levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while
you are taking amiloride.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, or a
breathing disorder.
Avoid
drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of amiloride.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can
make this medication less effective.
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 amiloride.
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.
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).
Amiloride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking amiloride?
Do not use this medication if you have:
Before using amiloride, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
amiloride, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether amiloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take amiloride?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take amiloride with food.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that
you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Amiloride can interfere with the results of a glucose tolerance test. Stop using this
medication for at least 3 days before you have this test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you
are using amiloride.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do
not allow the tablets to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Print
Email
FDA Alerts
Media Gallery
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
