Amiloride

About Amiloride

This belongs to the group of medicines known as potassium-sparing diuretics.

Diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.

Amiloride is known as a potassium-sparing diuretic because, unlike some other diuretics, it does not cause your body to lose potassium.

Amiloride is mainly used alongside other diuretics to treat oedema (water retention), often caused by liver disease, kidney problems or heart failure. It is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It prevents the build up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidney.

Amiloride is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

Before Taking Amiloride

Before taking Amiloride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from diabetes or hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium)
• if you suffer from prostate problems or have problems urinating (passing water)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Amiloride

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Amiloride exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are taking another diuretic (water tablet) you should take it at the same time as Amiloride.
• Amiloride will make you urinate (pass water) more often, so your doctor or pharmacist will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6pm in the evening.
• If you miss a dose of Amiloride take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6pm in the evening skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
• Amiloride is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Amiloride contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Amiloride.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Too much alcohol can cause a big drop in blood pressure and may lead to fainting.
• Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell, but left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the heart, arteries and blood vessels resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
• It is very important to take Amiloride exactly as your doctor has instructed and to not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor. If you are overweight, your doctor may want you to follow a weight reducing diet.
• A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine. Salt substitutes contain potassium. Do not use them while taking Amiloride unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Too much potassium can be harmful. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on your diet.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry.
• Amiloride can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Amiloride may cause you to feel faint or dizzy when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly should help. If this becomes too troublesome ask your doctor for advice.
• Before having any kind of treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking Amiloride.

Can Amiloride cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tummy upset, dry mouth, skin rashes, confusion, light-headedness, muscle cramps.

Amiloride can occasionally cause you to lose too much sodium from the body, which is essential for good health. Severe sickness and diarrhoea may increase your chances of sodium loss. If you experience this contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Signs of excessive sodium loss are confusion, convulsions (fits), difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps and unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you think you may be suffering from a lack of sodium or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Amiloride

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 31/01/2005