Amiloride
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DRUG STATUS
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Potassium-sparing Diuretic
Controlled Drug Substance
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Amiloride
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Click HereSummary
Amiloride is used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. It is often combined with other blood pressure-lowering pills.
Amiloride works by affecting how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium. It reduces the amount of sodium and water retained, thereby lowering blood pressure. It also helps retain potassium, which is useful for people at risk of low potassium or have low potassium due to other medications.
The usual dose for adults is 5-10 mg daily taken with food. If needed, the dose may be gradually increased to 15-20 mg daily with close monitoring of electrolytes.
The most common side effects of Amiloride are headache, back pain, weakness, chest pain, tiredness, and aches in the neck, shoulders, or limbs. Less common are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and skin rash.
Amiloride can cause dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. This is especially risky for people with kidney problems, diabetes, or high potassium levels. It shouldn't be taken with other medications that also raise potassium levels or potassium supplements, except in cases of severely low potassium that doesn't respond to other treatments.
Indications and Purpose
What is Amiloride used for?
Amiloride is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It's often combined with other blood pressure-lowering pills because it helps prevent a common side effect of those other drugs: low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Potassium is a mineral important for many bodily functions, including heart rhythm. Amiloride works by affecting how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium, reducing the amount of sodium and water retained, thereby lowering blood pressure. Because it helps retain potassium, it's particularly useful for people who are already at risk of low potassium or have low potassium due to other medications. It's crucial to remember that amiloride should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
How does Amiloride work?
Amiloride is a type of water pill (diuretic) that helps your body get rid of excess salt and water. Unlike many other water pills, it also helps you keep potassium, an important mineral, in your body. It works by blocking sodium reabsorption (the process of your body taking sodium back into the bloodstream) in the kidneys. This change in sodium levels affects the kidneys' ability to remove potassium and acid (hydrogen ions), leading to less potassium and acid being lost in urine. The effects of amiloride are slow to start (peak in 6-10 hours) but last a full day. It's not broken down by the liver and is removed from the body unchanged by the kidneys. Doctors often prescribe amiloride alongside other water pills to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, especially when a patient has low potassium levels. This combination helps lower blood pressure effectively while preventing potassium loss.
Is Amiloride effective?
Yes, Amiloride is effective when combined with other diuretics in reducing fluid buildup and maintaining potassium levels. Clinical studies show significant improvements in blood pressure control and heart failure management.
How does one know if Amiloride is working?
Amiloride's effects on your body are monitored through regular blood pressure checks. This is because amiloride is a medication that can affect blood pressure. Your doctor will also likely order blood tests to see how your body is reacting to the medication. Blood pressure is the force of your blood against your artery walls. High blood pressure is a serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lab tests help measure things like the levels of electrolytes (like potassium and sodium) in your blood, which can be affected by amiloride. These checks ensure the medication is working safely and effectively for you, and that any side effects are caught early.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Amiloride?
For adults, the usual dose is 5–10 mg daily, taken with food. If needed, the dose may be gradually increased to 15–20 mg daily, with close monitoring of electrolytes. The safety and effectiveness of Amiloride in children have not been established.
How do I take Amiloride?
Amiloride should be taken once a day with food. Don't use salt substitutes that contain potassium (a mineral your body needs). Talk to your doctor about how much potassium-rich food you should eat. Foods high in potassium include bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice. Your doctor can help you find the right balance to keep you healthy while taking amiloride.
For how long do I take Amiloride?
This medication is often used long-term for conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Your doctor will determine the duration based on your condition and response to treatment, with regular monitoring of electrolytes and kidney function.
How long does it take for Amiloride to start working?
This medication is often used long-term for conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Your doctor will determine the duration based on your condition and response to treatment, with regular monitoring of electrolytes and kidney function.
How should I store Amiloride?
Store Amiloride at room temperature (15–30°C), away from moisture and heat. Keep it in a tightly sealed container and out of reach of children.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Amiloride?
Amiloride is a medication that can cause dangerously high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). This is especially risky for people with kidney problems (anuria, renal insufficiency, diabetic nephropathy), high blood urea nitrogen (BUN - a measure of kidney function), or high creatinine (another measure of kidney function). High potassium can be fatal. People with kidney issues, diabetes, or high potassium levels need close monitoring while taking amiloride. Older adults are also at higher risk. Amiloride shouldn't be taken with other medications that also raise potassium levels or potassium supplements, except in cases of severely low potassium that doesn't respond to other treatments. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking amiloride.
Can I take Amiloride with other prescription drugs?
Amiloride can be risky if taken with certain other drugs. Specifically, it shouldn't be combined with potassium supplements (extra potassium) or medications that already contain potassium, because this can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in your blood. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen and naproxen (common pain relievers), can also interact negatively with amiloride. **Before you start taking amiloride,** it's crucial to tell both your doctor and pharmacist about *all* the other medications, supplements, and even herbal remedies you're currently using. This includes over-the-counter drugs. They can help you avoid potentially harmful interactions.
Can I take Amiloride with vitamins or supplements?
Amiloride can interact dangerously with potassium supplements or medicines containing potassium. Potassium is a mineral your body needs, but too much can be harmful. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, so avoid these if you're taking amiloride. To be safe, always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the other medications, supplements, or even over-the-counter drugs you're taking before starting amiloride. This includes vitamins and herbal remedies. They can help make sure there are no harmful interactions. This is crucial because mixing amiloride with extra potassium can lead to serious health problems.
Can Amiloride be taken safely while pregnant?
Amiloride should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary, as there is limited data on its safety. Consult your doctor to evaluate the risks and benefits.
Can Amiloride be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known if Amiloride passes into human breast milk. Due to potential risks to the nursing infant, consult your doctor before using this medication while breastfeeding.
Is Amiloride safe for the elderly?
Amiloride should be given carefully to older adults. Start with a low dose because older people's livers, kidneys, and hearts might not work as well, and they may be taking other medications. Amiloride is removed from the body mostly by the kidneys, so kidney problems increase the risk of harmful side effects. * **Hepatic:** Relating to the liver. * **Renal:** Relating to the kidneys. * **Cardiac:** Relating to the heart. * **Concomitant diseases or drug therapy:** Having other illnesses or taking other medicines at the same time. * **Serum electrolytes:** Levels of salts (like sodium and potassium) in the blood. * **Creatinine:** A waste product from muscle breakdown, high levels indicate kidney problems. * **BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen):** Another waste product, high levels also indicate kidney problems. Regular blood tests to check these levels are necessary to ensure safety.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Amiloride?
Exercise is safe but avoid strenuous activity if you experience dizziness, fatigue, or dehydration. Stay well-hydrated and consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Amiloride?
Alcohol may increase dizziness or dehydration while on Amiloride. Limit alcohol consumption and consult your doctor for personalized advice.