uses
What is amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide used for?Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, also called a water pill, commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is also commonly used to reduce fluid retention (edema) caused by congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart is not pumping as well as it should.Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide work (mechanism of action)?Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide works by increasing how much you pee. It does this by helping the kidneys remove electrolytes, such as sodium (salt), and water from the body. It also appears to allow blood to flow more freely (less resistance to flow), which may help with lowering blood pressure. The amiloride in this combination medicine helps your kidneys keep more potassium in your blood, which could get too low if you take hydrochlorothiazide alone. How is amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesModureticDosage forms and strengths5 mg/50 mg oral tabletsHow should I store amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed.
how to use
tablet that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide interact with foods or drinks?Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide interacts with salt substitutes containing potassium and high potassium diets, which may increase the risk of high potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). It is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, with your healthcare provider.Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position (called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension) when taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.Does amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide.A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizuresAn opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of painA medicine for diabetesA medicine for high blood pressureAn angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problemsAn angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditionsAliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressureCholestyramine or colestipol, which is a medicine that is sometimes used to lower cholesterol A corticosteroid, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditionsLithium, which is a medicine used for certain mental health conditionsA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and feverAny potassium-containing medicine, such as penicillin G potassium, or potassium chlorideCyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune systemTacrolimus, which is a medicine to suppress your immune systemDigoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureA diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?The most common side effects of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Low blood pressure (see below)Electrolyte changes and increased blood sugar (see below)An increase in how much you peeNausea and vomitingDiarrheaLoss of appetiteStomach painGas (flatulence)HeadacheWeakness/fatigueSkin rashThere may be other side effects of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?While less common, the most serious side effects of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Low Blood Pressure with Worsening Kidney Function. Water loss from amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can lower your blood pressure too much and cause dehydration. Both may lead to problems that are more serious than light-headedness. Poor blood flow to important organs such as your kidneys can occur, especially if you are elderly. Drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially if you have excess sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Get out of bed or from a seated position slowly. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingConfusionFeeling weak or tiredDifficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressureSudden weight gainSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsReduced need to peeIncreased thirstDark or strong-smelling peeDry mouthSunken eyesHeadacheFast heartbeatNauseaSeizuresElectrolyte Changes and Increased Blood Sugar. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may increase your blood sugar (glucose) levels and cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia), high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), low sodium levels (hyponatremia), low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), or low chloride levels (hypochloremia), or high glucose levels (hyperglycemia). These changes can be serious. Your healthcare provider will do bloodwork to check your glucose and electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Keep your appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.WeaknessUnusual tirednessMuscle cramps or twitchingConstipationNausea, vomiting, or loss of appetiteDizzinessRestlessness or irritabilityDifficulty breathingConfusion or decreased alertnessAbnormal heart rhythmSeizuresShort-Sightedness and Glaucoma. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may make it harder to see faraway objects (short-sightedness). It also may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. These issues may be more likely with taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide if you have a sulfa or penicillin allergy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Trouble seeing faraway objectsLoss of visionEye pain or rednessSevere headache or vomitingSeeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)Severe Allergic Reactions. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painSevere Skin Reactions. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesInflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urineYour skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?If you or someone else has used too much amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide.HydrochlorothiazideAmilorideModureticAny other medicine known as a sulfonamide (sulfa drug)Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide products they stock.No Urine Production. Do not take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide if you are making very little to no pee. This condition is also called anuria.Very Low Electrolytes. If you have low electrolytes, including low sodium or potassium, amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may not be safe to use. Your healthcare provider may measure your electrolytes before starting amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Low electrolytes are not usually something you can feel, so it is important to make it to your scheduled blood work appointments.High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide should not be used if your blood potassium level is too high. Your healthcare provider should measure your potassium level before starting, and during treatment with, amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. It is very important to make it to all appointments where your blood potassium levels will be measured.Other Kidney Problems. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.Salt Substitutes or Potassium Supplements. Salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium supplements, or a high-potassium diet should not be used while taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Drug Interactions. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking amiloride, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.What should I know about amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide before using it?Do not take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide out of the reach of children.Take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide with food.Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can affect your electrolyte levels, especially potassium and sodium. It is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes with your healthcare provider, including potassium in food, drinks, or supplements.Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide affects you. People who are age 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider about checkups for skin cancer.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is right for you.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Heart failureLiver problemsKidney problemsPersistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can lead to dehydrationLow electrolytes, including potassium and sodiumAbnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)Diabetes GoutProstate problemsA reduced need to peeSystemic Lupus Erythematosus. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may activate or worsen systemic lupus erythematosus. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop or have worsening rash, joint pain, fever, or unusual tiredness.Sulfa Allergy. Some people who have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide, medicines. Sulfa medicines include sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, or sulfasalazine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide.