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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK03019}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{amiloride}
$Subject{Midamor Merck Sharp and Dohme Diuretic antihypertensive amiloride
high blood pressure fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney
disease salt water kidneys potassium loss}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
amiloride
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
amiloride (various manufacturers)
Midamor (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG
Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT
amiloride
DOSAGE FORM
Tablets (5 mg)
STORAGE
Amiloride should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.
USES
Amiloride is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is also
used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by chronic conditions
such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the
long-term use of some medications. Amiloride reduces fluid accumulation in
your body by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.
It may also be used in conjunction with other diuretics to prevent potassium
loss.
TREATMENT
To decrease stomach irritation, you can take amiloride with a glass of
milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to
take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 p.m.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next one. In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.
This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
SIDE EFFECTS
Minor.
Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, nausea, sleeping problems,
stomach upset, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear in time.
To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on ice chips or a piece of hard
candy or by chewing sugarless gum.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising from a sitting
position. Do this by alternately pushing one foot against the floor while
raising the other foot slightly.
Major.
Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; black, tarry stools; chest pain; confusion; cough; extreme tiredness
or weakness; hair loss; impotence; itching; joint pain; mental depression;
muscle aches; muscle cramps; nervousness; palpitations; rash; ringing in the
ears; shakiness; shortness of breath; tingling in the fingers, lips, or toes;
visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
INTERACTIONS
Amiloride interacts with several other types of medications and certain
foods:
1. Concurrent use of this medication with spironolactone, triamterene,
potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, captopril, enalapril,
lisinopril, or laxatives may cause serious side effects from hyperkalemia
(high levels of potassium in the blood). Check with your physician before
using any of these medications or products.
2. Amiloride may increase the side effects of lithium and digoxin.
3. Amiloride may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants and
antigout medications.
Before starting to take amiloride, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications.
WARNINGS
* Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic
reactions to medications, especially to amiloride or any other diuretic.
* Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease
or urination problems, hyperkalemia, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or
acidosis.
* Amiloride can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the
blood). Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations (rapid or irregular
heartbeat); confusion; numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips;
anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness. In order to avoid this problem, do
not alter your diet and do not use salt substitutes unless you first consult
your doctor.
* While taking this medication, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages
in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness.
* Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for
weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems, unless
you first check with your doctor.
* To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
* Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug crosses the
placenta. Although this drug appears to be safe in animals, studies in humans
have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant. Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.