Amiloride

The recommended adult dose of Amiloride (Amiloride) is 5 mg to 20 mg daily in 1 or 2 divided doses. Amiloride (Amiloride) can be taken with or without food, but taking the medication with food can reduce the risk of upset stomach.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Amiloride (Amiloride) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Amiloride (Amiloride) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on the person; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each yellow, diamond-shaped, biconvex tablet, engraved "5" on one side and plain on the other, contains 5 mg of Amiloride (Amiloride) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and yellow ferric oxide.

Do not take Amiloride (Amiloride) if you:

• are allergic to Amiloride (Amiloride) or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are taking potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., triamterene or Spironolactone)
• have potassium levels in the blood which are too high (hyperkalemia)
• have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease

There may be an interaction between Amiloride (Amiloride) and any of the following:

• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Ramipril)
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• lithium
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• medications that reduce high blood pressure
• medications that increase potassium levels (such as potassium supplements, spironolactone, triamterene, and salt substitutes containing potassium)
• quinidine
• Tacrolimus

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Amiloride (Amiloride). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Amiloride (Amiloride).

Cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) disease: If you have heart or lung disease, discuss with your doctor how Amiloride (Amiloride) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amiloride (Amiloride), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

High blood potassium (hyperkalemia): High blood potassium has been observed in some people who receive Amiloride (Amiloride) either alone or with other diuretics (water pills). This happens mostly in seniors, in people with Diabetes, and in people with liver disease or kidney disease. Warning signs or symptoms of high potassium include:

• confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Pregnancy: Amiloride (Amiloride) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Amiloride (Amiloride), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Amiloride (Amiloride) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Amiloride (Amiloride), it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Amiloride (Amiloride).

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Amiloride (Amiloride) have not been established for children. Amiloride (Amiloride) is not recommended for children.

Amiloride (Amiloride) belongs to the class of medications called potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills). It is used alone or in combination with a potassium-depleting diuretic (such as Hydrochlorothiazide) to decrease edema (fluid retention) that occurs with Congestive Heart Failure and disorders of the liver. It is also used to lower high blood pressure.

Diuretics work by making the body lose excess water and salt. Amiloride (Amiloride) is called a potassium-sparing diuretic because it does not cause potassium to be lost from the body.

Your doctor may have suggested Amiloride (Amiloride) for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Amiloride (Amiloride) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Amiloride (Amiloride), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Amiloride (Amiloride) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Amiloride (Amiloride) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Amiloride (Amiloride) if their doctor has not prescribed it.