Before taking amiloride and cyclopenthiazide

Before taking amiloride and cyclopenthiazide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you suffer from gout or hyperuricaemia (high amounts of uric acid in your blood).
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• If you have Addison's disease or another adrenal gland disorder.
• If you have been told you have low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood, or high levels of calcium.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take amiloride and cyclopenthiazide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Diuretics will make you pass water more often, so take your dose in the morning.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. However if it is after 6 pm in the afternoon, skip the missed dose and continue as normal the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. It is important that you do not stop these tablets without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
• Diuretics like amiloride and cyclopenthiazide help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
• If you have diabetes these tablets may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any changes.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
• A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine. Salt substitutes contain potassium so do not use them unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Too much potassium can be harmful.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can amiloride and cyclopenthiazide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store amiloride and cyclopenthiazide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).