Review Drug

Generic Name :Moduretic,Amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide 5mg + 50mg

Brand names Amilospare, Berkamil, Midamor

Used in the following combined preparations Co-amilofruse, Co-amilozide, Burinex A, Frumil, Moduretic, and others.

General Information

Amiloride belongs to a class of drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics. With thiazide or loop diuretics, amiloride is used in the treatment of hypertension, and of oedema (fluid retention) resulting from heart failure or liver disease.

Amiloride’s effect on urine flow may be noticed for several hours. For this reason, it should be avoided after about 4 pm; otherwise you may need to pass urine during the night. As with other potassium-sparing diuretics, amiloride can be risky in people who are taking potassium supplements and in those who have unusually high levels of potassium in their blood. The drug is prescribed with caution for people who have kidney disorders.

Information For Users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, liquid.

Frequency and timing of doses

Once daily, usually in the morning.

Adult dosage range

5-20mg daily.

Onset of effect

Within 2-4 hours.

Duration of action

12-24 hours.

Diet advice

Avoid foods that are high in potassium – for example, dried fruit and salt substitutes.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. However, if it is late in the day, do not take the missed dose, or you may need to get up at night to pass urine. Take the next scheduled dose as usual.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects

Amiloride has few adverse effects; the main problem is the possibility that potassium may be retained by the body, causing muscle weakness and numbness.

Interactions

Lithium. Amiloride may increase the blood levels of lithium, leading to an
increased risk of lithium poisoning.

ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of potassium retention with amiloride.

Quick Reference

Drug group Potassium-sparing diuretic

Overdose danger rating Low

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic Yes

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have diabetes.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Not usually prescribed. May cause a reduction in the blood supply to the developing baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

Not usually prescribed during breast-feeding. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not recommended.

Over 60

Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how amiloride affects you because the drug may cause confusion.

Alcohol

No special problems.

Prolonged Use

Monitoring Blood tests may be done to check on levels of body salts.