Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Diuretic
Uses
Treatment for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
Decreases fluid retention and prevents potassium loss.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole,
open capsule and take with liquid or food. Instructions to
take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after
eating.
When to take:
At the same time each day, preferably in the morning. May
interfere with sleep if taken after 6 p.m.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 8 hours late. If more than
8 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Blocks exchange of certain chemicals in the kidney so sodium
is excreted. Conserves potassium.
Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Rapid, irregular heartbeat; confusion; shortness of breath;
nervousness; extreme weakness.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest
emergency facility.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
Headache, nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, mild diarrhea,
constipation, decreased interest in sex.
Infrequent:
- Shortness of breath, fever, chills, unusual tiredness
or weakness, confusion.
- Dizziness, bloating, muscle cramps, dry mouth.
Rare:
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to amiloride.
- Your serum potassium level is high.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have kidney or liver disease.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons. More likely to exceed safe
potassium blood levels.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Not recommended.
Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations
or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, kidney function,
ECG* and serum electrolytes.
Skin & sunlight:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives,
pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete
prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
Periodic physical checkups and potassium-level tests recommended.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
